A tragic road accident in the heart of Nigeria's capital has claimed the life of a police officer and left another injured. The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command confirmed the incident, which underscores the daily dangers faced by law enforcement personnel on duty.
Details of the Fatal Collision
The accident occurred on Wednesday, December 4, at approximately 2:20 pm. The location was along the busy Sani Abacha Expressway, close to the National Ecumenical Centre in Abuja's Central Area.
According to a statement from the FCT Police Command's spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, preliminary investigations point to a catastrophic mechanical failure. A mixer truck, operated by a driver identified as Salman Usman from a construction company in Wuse Zone 5, suffered a brake failure. The heavy vehicle consequently lost control and crashed at the scene.
Officers on Duty Caught in the Path
At the time of the crash, two police officers were performing their official duties in the area. They were directly affected by the out-of-control truck. The command reported that the incident resulted in the unfortunate loss of one officer's life. His colleague sustained injuries and was promptly taken to a medical facility where he is currently receiving treatment.
In her statement, SP Adeh highlighted that this sad event reflects the constant hazards and risks officers confront daily while protecting lives and managing traffic within the FCT.
Investigation and Official Response
The FCT Police have moved swiftly following the accident. The driver of the mixer truck, Salman Usman, has been taken into custody. Furthermore, all vehicles involved in the accident have been recovered. They will undergo a thorough safety inspection as part of the ongoing investigation.
The Commissioner of Police for the FCT, CP Miller G. Dantawaye psc, has extended his heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the deceased officer. He also prayed for the speedy and complete recovery of the injured personnel.
The Police Command has assured the public that the investigation into the cause of the accident will be comprehensive. They vowed that justice will be served in the matter. For emergencies, the public is reminded to contact the command through its dedicated lines: 08061581938 and 08032003913.
