Simon Lalong, the governor of Plateau State, and Senator Jonah Jang, a former governor of the state, both expressed their sorrow over the deaths of 16 PDP supporters who were engaged in a deadly accident following the party’s zonal rally in the state’s Pankshin Local Government Area.
The deceased were reportedly on their way home from a demonstration on Saturday when a truck carrying them crashed close to a bridge in the Panyam neighborhood of the state’s Mangu LGA.
Lalong called the occurrence unfortunate and a great loss to the state in a statement on Sunday.
Caleb Mutfwang, the PDP’s candidate for governor, and the families of the victims and injured also shared Lalong’s sorrow over the tragic incident. Lalong prayed that God would grant those who lost their lives eternal rest and speedy recovery to those who were injured. He also expressed sympathy to the PDP family in the state.
The governor also urged drivers and party supporters to exercise caution during the electioneering season, when traffic is at its busiest.
He advised everyone to prioritize safety and follow traffic laws in order to reduce incidents like these.
Senator Jang lamented the development as well.
In a statement issued on Sunday by his Media Consultant, Clinton Garuba, the former governor said, “It is disheartening that these supporters who went out to show love to their party sustained various degrees of injury, while some paid the supreme price. This sad event is grievous as most of those involved are young people in their prime whose desire was to have a good and prosperous life in our dear state and nation.
“Senator Jang’s heart goes out to the families of those who lost their loved ones and those of the injured. He joins in commiserating with them and praying that God will comfort them and grant speedy recovery and healing to the injured.
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“We express our thanks to the many who have stood with the families and the party at this time of grief and pray that the days ahead will bring succour to us all.
“May God continue to protect, keep and preserve us all.”
Meanwhile, the Federal Road Safety Corps, on Sunday, confirmed that 16 PDP supporters died as a result of the accident and not seven as earlier stated by the party’s campaign council in the state.
Making the clarification in a statement issued on Sunday by its Public Enlightenment Officer, Peter Longsan, the FRSC said, “The number of people involved was 99, number of people killed in the crash was 16 adult male, while 83 people sustained various degrees of injury.
“The injured victims were taken to hospitals in Panyam and Mangu towns, both in Mangu LGA. The FRSC Operatives of Pankshin Unit Command, passersby, volunteers and other spirited individuals evacuated the injured victims for medical attention, while the corpses of the deceased were deposited at the Mangu General Hospital, Panyam General Hospital, and Nissi Private Hospital all in Mangu LGA.
The unfortunate incident happened as a result of excessive speed and overloading, which led to a loss of control and resulted in the crash.
“The FRSC has been advising that people should use vehicles strictly for the purpose the manufacturer made for, motorists to maintain a safe speed in order to avoid the risk of being involved in road traffic crashes.”
“They are further advised to ensure the installation of speed limiting devices on their vehicles and ensure proper maintenance of their vehicles.”
