19 Abuja-bound passengers traveling from Adamawa Tuesday, died in a motor accident at Hawan Kibo, Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.
This is just as five personnel of the Nigeria Air Force also lost their lives at the same place along the Jos-Akwanga Express Road.
However, it could not be independently confirmed if the lives were lost in the same accident or separate auto crashes, but the NAF personnel were among those attending a sports event in Abuja.
Hawan Kibo, which is a gateway to Jos, the Plateau State capital, is about 60 kilometers from the state capital.
The Federal Road Safety Corps Plateau State Command’s spokesman, Peter Yakubu, confirmed the incident to journalists, stating that all passengers in the vehicle died.
According to him, 18 passengers died on the spot while the other person died at the hospital.
He said, “No one survived the accident. The sole person taken to the hospital later succumbed. Eighteen died at the scene, while one died at the hospital.”
While confirming the death of the NAF officers on Tuesday, the Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF, Air Commodore Olusola Akinboyewa, said the vehicle on which the officers were traveling had a head-on collision with a truck.
He said, “The Nigerian Air Force deeply regrets to announce the loss of five of our gallant personnel who were involved in a tragic road traffic accident on 22 October 2024.
“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, the statutory administrative protocols applicable in circumstances such as this have been activated by the NAF to provide comfort and support 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.”
A staff member at Riyom Trauma Hospital where the deceased were taken confirmed that the victims’ corpses were brought to the hospital.
According to the staff, some of the bodies were unidentified due to mutilation, adding that they have been taken to a morgue in Jos due to power challenge in the hospital.
The official said, “All victims brought to us had already died. Some bodies were unidentifiable due to severe mutilation. All corpses have been transferred to a mortuary in Jos due to the electricity challenge in Riyom.”
The staff member added that the vehicle involved was travelling from Adamawa State to Abuja when the accident occurred.
Hawan Kibo had experienced recurring accidents due to the poor condition of the road, prompting citizens to lament about the situation.
In a related development, many players of the Kano Pillars FC U-19 team sustained injuries in a road accident on Tuesday.
They were en route to the New Jos Stadium for their Match day 5 fixtures in the inaugural U-19 Youth League against Plateau United U-19.
According to the media directorate of the team, several players and the driver sustained injuries in the accident and have been taken to the hospital for medical attention.
“Thankfully, no fatalities have been reported at this time, and the medical team is closely monitoring the situation.
“We extend our heartfelt thoughts and prayers to everyone affected and will provide further updates as more information becomes available.”
