Tambuwal’s convoy in road mishap in Kaduna

• No, it is not true, says aide

From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

Two people were killed and scores sustained serious injuries in a multiple accident involving the convoy of the Speaker of the House of Representative, Hon Aminu Tambuwal. Investigation showed that the accident occurred around 10.45 a.m yesterday, in Kaduna, along Ali Akilu Road.

The convoy was said to be coming out from the Deluxe Suites and zoomed into the road trying to stop other approaching vehicles in an effort to create way for their principal.

Our reporter gathered that, in order to avoid collision with the Speaker’s convoy, a commercial bus, with Kano number XA 863 FGE stopped abruptly, which resulted in other vehicles ramming into each other. A Toyota Hiace, with registration number XA 657 PAK, in the process, crashed into a cement wall fence allegedly killing two passengers, a lady and a man in front of the bus, while the driver and other passengers inside the vehicle sustained injuries.

Eyewitnesses said even after the accident, the convoy allegedly did not bother to stop but rather proceeded towards Kaduna-South which many to suspect that they were escaping to Abuja. This did not go down well with passers-by and other road users who used their vehicles and other objects to barricade the ever-busy road, thereby created a very long traffic hold up. This went on for about two hours as other road users tried to seek alternative routes to continue their journey.

The joint team of military and police personnel was later deployed to the site, under the command of Col. Adebayo Fawole, who directed that the crowd be dispersed. A towing van was later brought to remove the damaged vehicles from the scene. The dead and injured were moved to Barau Dikko Specialist Hospital for treatment.

Confirming the incident, the state chairman of the Nigerian Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Comrade Alhassan Haruna 313, said immediately he got the news of the accident, he sent the chairman of Kawo Motor Park and Central Market to the scene, and that they reported to him that two persons lost their lives in the accident.

When contacted on phone, the media aide to the Speaker, Alhaji Imam Imam, however denied that his principal’s convoy was involved in any accident, saying perhaps the entourage that went before the Speaker were responsible. Notwithstanding, he said, the Office of the Speaker was waiting for details of the accident.

As at the time of filing this report, stern looking security men were seen monitoring the scene, while Barau Dikko Hospital turned to a Mecca of some sort as curious commercial motorcyclists and others trooped to the hospital to have a glimpse of the victims.