The Nigeria Police Force had explained how 16 Kano travellers died in a road accident on the Kano-Abuja highway, even as it denied media reports that the victims were killed by gunmen.
This is contained in a statement by the NPF Public Relations Officer DCP Frank Mba on Friday.
Kaduna State government however countered, saying they died in road accident.
“To set the record straight, the unfortunate death of the 16 travellers as well as injury to three others was due to a lone fatal vehicular accident.
“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 statement said.
The Force 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.”
