Five personnel of the Nigerian Air Force have died in a road accident in Plateau State, the service said on Tuesday.
NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Olusola Akinboyewa, disclosed this in a statement.
He said the accident happened on Tuesday around Hawan Kibo along the Jos-Akwanga Express Road.
The air force spokesman blamed the incident on a collision with an incoming truck, saying the personnel were travelling to Abuja for a sporting event.
“The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) deeply regrets to announce the loss of 5 of our gallant personnel who were involved in a tragic road traffic accident on 22 October 2024,” the statement read.
“The unfortunate incident occurred around Hawan Kibo along the Jos-Akwanga Express Road. Our personnel were heading for a sporting event in Abuja when their vehicle was involved in a collision with an oncoming truck.”
Akinboyewa also reiterated the NAF’s commitment to provide succour to the families of the deceased personnel.
He called on the public to respect the privacy of the families who mourn their loved ones and prayed for the peaceful repose of the victims.
“Consequently, statutory administrative protocols applicable in circumstances as this have been activated by the NAF to provide comfort and succor to the bereaved families.
“We appeal to the public to respect the privacy of the victims’ families during this difficult time and to refrain from sharing unverified details. May their souls rest in perfect peace,” the statement added.