By Palma Ileye
Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS, has commiserated with families of victims of the ghastly motor accident which happened on Sunday 12th November along Kano-Zaria road, claiming the lives of four personnel leaving several others badly injured.
Speaking at a press briefing held yesterday on the tragic incidence at the NIS Headquarters in Abuja, the Service Public Relations Office, DCI Aridegbe Adedotun said that seven who sustained various degrees of injuries were currently receiving treatment at the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital in Kano.
He said, “The tragic incident that occurred yesterday, November 12th, 2023, involving the dedicated personnel of the NIS. 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 kilometers 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.
He said that the Nigeria Immigration Service, in light of this unfortunate incident, had first ensure the families of the deceased were informed and supported before addressing the media.
He said that the Acting Comptroller General of Immigration, Caroline Wura-Ola Adepoju, was deeply grieved by the loss and was personally extending her condolences and support to the families of the deceased adding that the Service stands firmly with those left behind by their breadwinners during this distressing period.
He further stated that 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.
“We appreciate your understanding and support during this difficult time. We ask for your respect for the privacy of the affected families as they navigate this immense loss,” he added.
He further stated that the arrangements for the burials of the departed colleagues were being organized with utmost care and respect.
