Five persons died yesterday in an accident involving Katsina State Governor Ibrahim Sheu Shema’s convoy.
Among the dead was Shema’s Aide-de-Camp (ADC) Aminu Ibrahim, an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP).
Shema was on his way to Daura to receive President Goodluck Jonathan, who was flying in from Zamfara in continuation of his campaign towards next month’s election. The accident occured in Zakaliyawa village in Mashi Local Government Area, about 45 kilometers from Katsina, the state capital.
According to eye witnesses, who claimed to have seen it all from the primary school, opposite the scene of the accident, it occurred when the governor’s four-wheel drive, in an attempt to overtake other vehicles, crashed into a commercial passenger bus coming to Mashi market.
A 10-seater commercial bus following the first one crashed into the convoy of cars. Three others died. Eleven people, including the governor’s driver, were injured.
The ADC’s body was deposited in the mortuary at the Federal Medical Centre in Katsina. The injured are receiving treatment at the hospital.
Would-be sympathisers were barred from the scene by the police. Witnesses said the police thought they were after some money scattered on the scene.
Ibrahim died on the spot.
Also yesterday, a car belonging to Daura Zone Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chairman was also involved in an accident. The scene was about one kilometre away from the governor’s convoy’s crash.
Shema, who was also injured, was flown to Katsina for treatment.
The President and Shema later visited the Emir of Daura, Dr. Farouk Umar Farouk, before going to Katsina where Dr. Jonathan addressed a rally.
The President announced Aminu’s death at the rally and prayed for the repose of his soul.
The Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Mallam Dauda, said only five people were confirmed dead. Eleven were injured.
The Special Assistant to the governor on Media Affairs, Hon. Nasiru Abdul, said he only knew of the ADC’s death. The governor is hail and hearty, he said.
Condolences have been pouring in for the Katsina governor and people
The Chairman, Northern Governors Forum (NGF), Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, lamented that the deaths came when the services of those who died were most needed, particularly now that Nigeria’s politics is at its peak.
Aliyu, who is also the governor of Niger State, urged the people to take solace in the fact that Allah knows best why everything happened the way it did.
He prayed Allah to grant Aminu eternal rest and the governor and people as well as the families of the dead the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
Edo State Governor Comrade Adams Oshiomhole said: “I wish to convey to Your Excellency the commiseration of the people and government of Edo State, as well as my personal condolences over this unfortunate incident.
“We share your deep anguish over the death of such a close and effective confidant and aide. I had met Aminu on a few occasions and do remember him as a charming and resourceful officer, who invested so much energy in his duties. Yet, we must bear the pain of his demise with equanimity, since we cannot question the will of Allah SWT.”
Oshiomhole went on: “Our fervent prayer is that Allah SWT will extend His mercy to Aminu and grant him Alijanna Firdau, as befitting a favoured servant. We also pray God to give you and the family the strength and courage to bear the loss.”
The governor thanked Allah for Shema’s survival, adding: “We thank Allah for your survival and for the survival of others, who were involved in the accident with Your Excellency. We pray for the continued protection of Allah SWT as we all engage in the electioneering campaign.”
Many lives have been lost to accidents and the orgy of violence as campaigns hot up ahead of the elections. Lives have been lost in Oyo, Niger, Ondo, Rivers and Katsina states. Violent conducts have also increased at campaign rallies in many states.
The Federal Road Safety Corp (FRSC) said no fewer than 90 persons have died in accidents related to electioneering. The Police and other security agencies are worried
In Oyo, some supporters of Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala died in a road crash on their way from a rally. A similar fate also befell people believed to be supporters of the PDP.
Leaders of the Congress for Progressive Change in Oyo State also died on their way to Abuja for the party’s national convention.
The stampede in Port Harcourt when President Jonathan went there to campaign left 12 persons dead. In Suleja, a hand grenade was thrown into the venue of a rally, which Aliyu was addressing.
Bayelsa State has also witnessed bombings on at least two occasions.
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