TheCable

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) says four of its personnel died while seven sustained injuries in a car accident along the Kano-Zaria expressway. 

Adedotun Aridegbe, NIS spokesperson, announced the incident during a press briefing in Abuja on Monday.

Aridegbe said the personnel were returning to Abuja from an official assignment in Kano when the incident occurred.

He described the incident as a “deeply distressing and sorrowful moment”.

The NIS spokesperson added that the injured personnel are receiving treatment at the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital in Kano.

“I am here to address a tragic incident that occurred yesterday, November 12th, 2023, involving the dedicated personnel of the Nigeria Immigration Service,” Aridegbe said.

“Yesterday, a group of eleven of our personnel were returning to Abuja from an official assignment in Kano, in an eighteen-seater official bus.

“Tragically, they were involved in a ghastly accident a few kilometres from Kano.

“As a result, four of our personnel lost their lives. This has been a deeply distressing and sorrowful moment for all of us within the Nigeria Immigration Service.

“Seven of our colleagues who sustained various degrees of injuries are currently receiving treatment at the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital in Kano. Our thoughts and prayers are with them for a swift and complete recovery.

“The Nigeria Immigration Service, in light of this unfortunate incident, had to first ensure the families of the deceased were informed and supported before addressing the media.

“Arrangements for the burials of our departed colleagues are being organized with utmost care and respect.

“The Acting Comptroller General of Immigration, Caroline Wura-Ola Adepoju, is deeply grieved by this loss and is personally extending her condolences and support to the families of the deceased. The Service stands firmly with those left behind by their breadwinners during this distressing period.

“An immediate investigation has been ordered by the Acting CG to ascertain the remote cause of the accident.

“We are committed to understanding the circumstances that led to this tragic event and will take appropriate measures to prevent such incidents in the future.

“This is a time of deep reflection for the entire Nigeria Immigration Service family. The Acting CGI has directed all Commands and Formation Heads to fly our flag at half-mast for the next seven days. We will observe a three-day mourning period in honor and memory of our fallen colleagues.”