BY EVELYN DADU, ABUJA – The Nigeria Police has debunked reports in some section of the media alleging that gunmen killed 16 travellers on Abuja – Kaduna Highway on December 8, 2020.
This was contained in a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Frank Mba stressing that the information is false and unfounded.
DCP Mba explained that the unfortunate death of the 16 travellers as well as injury to three others was due to a lone fatal vehicular accident.
He said; “The sad event occurred on 8th December, 2020 at about 0120hrs when the driver of an 18-Seater Hummer Bus, Reg. No. FGE 553 ZS, belonging to Yasalam Transport lost control and summersaulted severally around ALCON Filling Station, Rigachukun, Igabi LGA in Kaduna State.
“Investigation by the Kaduna State Police Command reveals that nine passengers died on the spot while 10 others, who sustained various degrees of injury, were quickly rushed to the St. Gerald’s Hospital, Kakuri. “However, seven of the injured victims subsequently gave up the ghost, bringing the total of the dead to 16. Three of the remaining passengers are receiving medical treatment.
“The accident led to the unfortunate and painful loss of life of 16-travellers and injury to three others and not any attack by gunmen as speculated,” the spokesman said.
The Force therefore enjoined reporters to cross-check and confirm their reports before going public to avoid unnecessary spread of panic and emotional distress to members of the public.
