By Oscar Okhifo
Six supporters of former Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Abubakar Adamu, have reportedly died in a road crash in Lafia, Nasarawa State, while several others sustained injuries.
The victims were said to have been travelling to Awe Local Government Area on Monday, September 14, for a programme when the accident occurred around the Lafia Flyover.
The tragedy has thrown the supporters’ group and the families of the victims into mourning, with the former IGP, his wife and members of the campaign organisation said to be standing by the bereaved families.
Confirming the incident on Tuesday, High Chief Otaru Douglas, Director of Media and Strategic Communications of the Mohammed Abubakar Adamu Campaign Organisation, described the incident as tragic and offered prayers for the deceased and those injured.
“The best I can say is for God to repose the souls of those who died and grant quick recovery to those who sustained varying degrees of injuries,” he said.
Douglas added that the former IGP and his wife were standing with the families of the deceased.
“The IGP and his wife are fully with the families of the deceased. We are praying that the passage of their children or their loved ones will mark the beginning of peace and progress in their lives,” he said.
He confirmed that the victims were travelling to Awe for a programme when the crash occurred.
On the casualty figure, Douglas said he had been informed that six people died, while several others sustained injuries.
“Reportedly, I was told six. Yes, reportedly, I was told six. But for now, there are those who sustained injuries,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Nasarawa State Government has expressed grief over the accident.
Speaking with journalists in Lafia on Tuesday, the Commissioner for Information, Dr. Nawani Aboki, described the incident as sad and unfortunate.
He condoled with the former IGP and the families of the deceased, praying to God to give them the strength to bear the loss.
The Nasarawa State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) also expressed grief over the tragedy, describing the deaths as a painful loss to the affected families and the wider community.
In a condolence statement issued on Tuesday and signed by the party’s State Publicity Secretary, Augustine Ogaba, the APC said it received the news with profound shock and sadness.
The party, under the leadership of its chairman, Dr. Aliyu Bello, extended its condolences to the families of the deceased, the leadership and supporters of the group, as well as others affected by the tragedy.
“The APC, Nasarawa State Chapter extends its heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased, the leadership and supporters of the group, and all those affected by this tragic incident,” the statement read.
The party said its thoughts and prayers were with the bereaved families and others affected by the tragedy, praying that Almighty God would grant the deceased eternal rest and give their loved ones the strength and fortitude to bear the loss.
The APC also wished those injured in the accident a speedy and complete recovery, while praying for divine protection against future occurrences.