The Nigeria Immigration Service has confirmed the death of four of its Officers in an accident on the Kano-Zaria Expressway on Sunday.
It was earlier reported by The Eagle Online that 18 Officers died in the accident based on a video from the scene.
However, the Service Public Relations Officer, Dr. Adedotun Aridegbe, said in a statement on Monday that four Officers died in the bus which was conveying 11 of them from Kano to Abuja following a Passing Out Parade at the Immigration Service Training School on Saturday.
Aridegbe said the acting Comptroller General of Immigration, Caroline Wura-Ola Adepoju, has ordered a thorough investigation into the cause of the accident.
He said in the statement on Monday: “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.
“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 CGI 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.
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“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.”
