NIPTON, CA – A tragic helicopter crash occurred on Friday night in the Mojave Desert of California. The crash claimed the life of Herbert Wigwe, who served as the CEO of Access Bank Group- one of Nigeria’s foremost banks. The unfortunate news of Wigwe’s demise was confirmed by a slew of Nigerian officials, including Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organization, through various social media outlets.
Also among the deceased was Abimbola Ogunbanjo, a former Group Chairman of the Nigerian Exchange Group. Godwin Obaseki, a prominent Nigerian politician, additionally confirmed that the crash also claimed the lives of Wigwe’s wife and son.
The fateful helicopter journey began from the Palm Springs Airport, heading for Boulder City in Nevada, close to the famous city of Las Vegas. The crash occurred at about 10 p.m. local time in the desert vicinity near Nipton, California, a short distance from the California-Nevada border. Poor weather, characterized by rain and snow, was reported from the area at the time of the crash.
The helicopter crash is currently under extensive investigation by several U.S. agencies which include the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, the NTSB and the FAA.
Obaseki, the Governor of Edo State, expressed his profound shock and dismay at Wigwe’s unexpected death. In a formal statement, Obaseki praised Wigwe’s substantial impact in uplifting Nigeria’s financial arena.
His heartfelt condolences were extended to the grieving families of Wigwe and Ogunbanjo, as well as Access Bank Holding, the Nigeria Stock Exchange, and all friends and colleagues associated with the deceased.