By Damilare Adeleye
The Nigerian Air Force has announced the sad demise of five of its personnel in a fatal road accident which occured along the Jos – Akwanga road while on their way to Abuja.
The Director of NAF Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Olusola Akinboyewa, made the sad development known in a statement issued on Tuesday.
He said, “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.
“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.”
It was earlier reported that nineteen persons died in a fatal motor accident at Hawan Kibo area of Riyom local government area of Plateau State.
The spokesperson of the State Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Peter Yakubu, who confirmed the tragedy to journalists in Jos on Tuesday evening, stated that all passengers in the affected vehicle perished.
‘’No one survived the accident. The only person taken to the hospital later succumbed. Eighteen died at the scene, while one died at the hospital,” he said.