Immigration mourns death of four personnel in Kano accident
The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) on Monday, November 13, revealed that four of its personnel lost their lives in a tragic motor accident along Kano/Zaria Express Way, while seven others are currently undergoing treatment at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano, due to injuries.
The Service declared three days of mourning throughout Immigration formations and stations across the country, saying its flags would fly at half-mast in all stations for seven days.
The personnel were returning from Kano after the Presidential Commissioning and Passing Out Parade of the 48th Superintendent Basic Course of the Nigeria Immigration Service at the Immigration Service Training Institute, Kano, on Saturday. The Acting Comptroller General, Mrs Wura-Ola Adepoju attended the event.
Adepoju said the Service was deeply pained by the loss of the personnel, adding that an investigation has been ordered to unravel the cause of the accident.
Addressing newsmen at the headquarters of the Service in Abuja, Adepoju expressed condolences to the families of the personnel, saying, “This has been a deeply distressing and sorrowful moment for all of us within the Nigeria Immigration Service.”
The Acting Comptroller General, who spoke through the Service Public Relations Officer, Dotun Aridegbe said: “I am here to address a tragic incident that occurred yesterday, November 12th, 2023, involving the dedicated personnel of the Nigeria Immigration Service.
“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 kilometres 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.”
While announcing that the Service stands firmly with those left behind by their breadwinners, she said an immediate investigation has been ordered to ascertain the remote cause of the accident.
She noted: “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. 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 honour 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.”
