Military officer’s vehicle kills 2 police inspectors in Kaduna

Tragedy struck the Kaduna State Police Command on Thursday as two police inspectors attached to the Kawo Police Division lost their lives after a Toyota Hilux driven by a military officer rammed into them while they were controlling traffic at the busy Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) Junction in Kaduna metropolis.

The deceased officers were identified as Inspector Tanko Musa and Inspector Ajubi Onah, both of whom were on lawful traffic control duty when the fatal incident occurred. Blueprint reports

The accident has thrown the command into mourning, with colleagues, family members and residents describing the deaths as a painful loss to the Nigeria Police Force.

Eyewitnesses at the scene said the Hilux suddenly crashed into the officers, killing them instantly before coming to a halt.

The impact created panic around the busy junction as motorists, commuters and other road users rushed to the scene.

Videos that later surfaced on social media showed the lifeless bodies of the officers lying on the road while sympathisers gathered around the scene before emergency responders arrived.

Police confirm incident

Confirming the incident to Blueprint.ng on Saturday, the Kaduna State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Mansir Hassan, said the two officers were carrying out their lawful responsibilities when the unfortunate incident occurred.

He described the development as a tragic road traffic accident and expressed deep sadness over the loss of the officers.

“The police officers were on their lawful duty when the incident occurred,” Hassan said.

The police spokesman explained that the command had commenced necessary procedures regarding the incident while working closely with relevant authorities.

Command silent on alleged drunkenness

Although some eyewitnesses alleged that the military officer involved in the accident was under the influence of alcohol, the Kaduna state Police Command said it could not confirm the allegation as at the time of filing this report.

DSP Hassan maintained that the command would not speculate on issues that were still subject to investigation.

“I cannot speak on whether the officer was drunk or not. What I can confirm is that it was a case of accident,” he stated.

Military officer receiving treatment

The police spokesman disclosed that the military officer driving the Hilux also sustained injuries during the crash and is currently receiving medical attention at a hospital.

According to him, the incident is being jointly handled by the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigerian military in line with the cordial working relationship existing between both security agencies.

“The military officer involved was also admitted in the hospital. We are working in synergy with the military on the matter,” Hassan said.

He noted that the collaboration between both institutions would ensure that the circumstances surrounding the accident are thoroughly investigated.

Police mourn fallen colleagues

The Kaduna state Police Command extended its condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of the deceased officers, describing their deaths as a painful loss to the Force.

Hassan said the command sympathises with everyone affected by the tragedy and prayed for the repose of the souls of the deceased officers.

He also prayed that God would grant their families the strength to bear the irreparable loss.

The command reiterated its commitment to ensuring that the matter is handled professionally and in accordance with the law.

Road safety concerns resurface

The incident has once again drawn attention to the dangers faced by police officers deployed for traffic management and other routine assignments on major highways.

The NDA Junction remains one of the busiest intersections in Kaduna metropolis, witnessing heavy vehicular movement daily from Kawo, Mando, the Nigerian Defence Academy and other parts of the state capital.

Road safety experts have repeatedly called on motorists to exercise caution, obey speed limits and remain alert, particularly in areas where security personnel and traffic officials are on duty.

The latest tragedy has also renewed concerns about reckless driving and the need for stricter enforcement of traffic regulations involving both civilian and official vehicles.

Investigation underway

Although the Kaduna State Police Command has classified the incident as a road traffic accident, investigations are expected to determine the exact circumstances that led to the fatal crash.

The command has assured that it will continue to work closely with the military authorities to ensure that all relevant facts are established and that due process is followed.