Nigerian vice president involved in crash but marked safe

The helicopter of Nigeria's vice president crash-landed but he and the crew are safe, a spokesman said Saturday. Laolu Akande in a Twitter post said Vice President Yemi Osinbajo was "continuing with his engagements and plans for the day" after the crash in Kabba in Kogi state.

Akande gave no further details on the crash but he thanked God and the flight crew. Local media outlet Sahara Reporters published photos of a helicopter on its side, its rotor blades smashed.

"We are safe and sound!" Osinbajo tweeted, saying the crew managed the situation well. He linked to a video of himself appeared unscathed and waving to supporters from a vehicle. Akande later said the vice president told a crowd that "we are extremely grateful to the Lord for preserving our lives."

Nigeria's presidential election is on February 16 and President Muhammadu Buhari seeks a second term at the head of Africa's most populous country and top oil producer. In a break from heated campaigning, rival presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar told the vice president he was "happy to note" that everyone was safe.

(With inputs from agencies.)