TheCable

An officer of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has been killed by a truck driver in Ilorin, the Kwara capital.

The truck driver was said to have crashed into a security patrol team around Pasa bridge in Eyenkorin, not too far from the NAF base in Ilorin.

According to NAN, Rafiu Ajakaye, chief press secretary to Kwara governor, in a statement on Wednesday, identified the deceased officer as Giselle Nanpon, adding that another officer, Yahya Ayuba, was said to have survived the accident but sustained a spinal cord injury.

While commenting on the incident, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, governor of Kwara, described the death of the officer as tragic and painful.

Abdulrazaq commiserated with NAF and the family of the deceased and also prayed for a quick recovery for the injured officer.

“Gov. Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq sent a get-well-soon message to LCPL Yahaya Ayuba who sustained a spinal cord injury in the accident,” he said.

“The governor described the incident as tragic and painful and commended the air force for the maturity and professionalism with which its officers handled the unfortunate incident.

“My heartfelt condolences go to the highest echelon of the Nigerian air force and the families affected.

“It was indeed a regrettable tragedy and one occupational hazard too many.

“That incident again underpins the need for citizens to show due respect to the security operatives for the weight of sacrifices they make in the course of keeping our country safe.

“We truly appreciate them and regret the huge loss of an officer and a serious injury to the other.

“A state government delegation is being despatched to visit the families of the officers as a mark of respect for their service and sacrifices.

“We pray the Almighty God to grant speedy recovery to the injured officer and repose the soul of LCPL Goselle Nanpon and comfort his family.”