The Nigerian Air Force has announced the demise of five of its personnel in a fatal road accident which occurred on the Jos – Akwanga Road at the Hawan Kibo community in Riyom Local Government Area of the state
By Emma Ogbuehi
The Nigerian Air Force has announced the demise of five of its personnel in a fatal road accident which occurred on the Jos – Akwanga Road at the Hawan Kibo community in Riyom Local Government Area of the state, while on their way to Abuja.
A statement by the Director of NAF Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Olusola Akinboyewa made the sad development known on Tuesday night.
The release read, “The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) deeply regrets to announce the loss of 5 of our gallant personnel who were involved in a tragic road traffic accident on 22 October 2024.
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“The unfortunate incident occurred around Hawan Kibo along the Jos-Akwanga Express Road.
“Our personnel were heading for a sporting event in Abuja when their vehicle was involved in a collision with an oncoming truck.
“Consequently, statutory administrative protocols applicable in circumstances as these have been activated by the NAF to provide comfort and succour to the bereaved families.
“We appeal to the public to respect the privacy of the victims’ families during this difficult time and to refrain from sharing unverified details.
“May their souls rest in perfect peace.
“Further updates will be communicated in due course.”
Reacting to the development, Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has extended his deepest condolences to the Air Force, the Government, and the people of Adamawa State following the tragic accident.
It was gathered that a total of nineteen persons died in the auto crash. The occupants of the vehicle were said to be travelling from Adamawa to Abuja when the bus crashed at a checkpoint in the community.
In a statement on Tuesday by his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Gyang Bere, Mutfwang described the accident as a devastating loss, particularly due to the unfortunate death of all passengers, including five Nigerian Air Force personnel.
“The incident is a profound tragedy, and the governor expressed his sincere sympathy to the bereaved families, the Governor of Adamawa State, the Chief of the Air Staff, and all those affected by the painful event. The Governor prayed that such a heart-wrenching occurrence would not be repeated.
“Governor Mutfwang also commended the prompt and courageous response of the Special Task Force (STF), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), and local volunteers who made concerted efforts to rescue the passengers despite the tragic outcome.
“The accident, which took place on Monday, involved an 18-seater bus that, due to brake failure, collided with a stationary trailer undergoing roadside repairs,” the statement added.