22nd October, 2024
By Ayorinde Oluokun/Abuja
Tragedy struck the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) on Tuesday as five of its officers died in a road crash around Hawan Kibo, along the Jos-Akwanga Expressway in Plateau State.
The five Air Force officers were heading for a sporting event in Abuja when their vehicle was involved in a collision with an oncoming truck, he Director, Public Relations and Information, NAF, Air Commodore Olusola Akinboyewa, said in a statement while confirming the sad incident in Abuja.
Akinboyewa said the Air Force has already activated necessary administrative protocol in response to the tragic incident.
“Consequently, statutory administrative protocols applicable in circumstances as this 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,” he said.
However, an earlier report had indicated that the Air Force officers were part of the 18-passengers Hiace bus that ran into a stationary articulated vehicle on the highway.
The accident, led to the death of the driver and all the 18 passengers, Channels Television reported, quoting spokesperson of Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Plateau State, Peter Longsan.
The FRSC spokesperson said the road crash resulted from high speed which led to the impact of the bus on the articulated vehicle, leaving no survivor.
According to him, the remains of the victims have been deposited at a mortuary.