FRSC Dismisses Viral Report of Fatal NYSC Crash in Gombe
The Federal Road Safety Corps has officially denied circulating reports claiming that prospective National Youth Service Corps members experienced a fatal road accident in Gombe State. The viral message, which spread rapidly across social media platforms, alleged that sixteen people died in the crash with two others critically injured and hospitalized.
Authorities Confirm No Evidence of Accident
FRSC Public Relations Officer Janet Kassa stated that thorough investigations revealed no indication of such an incident occurring in Gombe State. "I have checked with my colleagues there is no indication this happened in Gombe, not to mention that it even occurred", Kassa emphasized. She explained that multiple calls to various FRSC units and commands failed to authenticate the viral report, suggesting it was likely created to generate online engagement.
Kassa assured the public that she would provide updates if any credible information emerged, but maintained that "for now, it's not true. It should be disregarded."
Police Investigation Supports FRSC Position
The Gombe State Police Command corroborated the FRSC's findings through their own investigation. DSP Buhari Abdullahi, the Police Public Relations Officer, confirmed that no evidence of such a crash had been found within the state. "We are still investigating to know, but as I speak from morning till now (night), no new findings", Abdullahi stated.
The police official noted critical inconsistencies in the viral reports, pointing out that "in the reports circulated, there was no mention of the hospital where the others were deposited or the proper address" - essential details that would typically accompany legitimate accident reports.
NYSC Orientation Proceeds Normally in Gombe
Meanwhile, the NYSC orientation camp in Gombe State opened as scheduled, with prospective corps members preparing for their official swearing-in ceremony. Jennifer Laha, the NYSC Public Relations Officer in Gombe, expressed skepticism about the circulating images associated with the false report.
Laha described the images as suspicious, noting that "from the pictures I saw, it looked like Artificial Intelligence pictures, from misspellings and all that." She also highlighted a fundamental inaccuracy in the viral claim, explaining that "NYSC doesn't give prospective corps members a bus to take to orientation camps" - contrary to what the false report implied.
The timely debunking of this misinformation prevented unnecessary panic among families and friends of NYSC members, while authorities continue to monitor online content for similar false reports that could cause public distress.
