Seven People’s Democratic Party (PDP) supporters were killed and 32 others were injured in an accident during the weekend while returning from a zonal rally at Pankshin local government area, the headquarters of Plateau Central Senatorial zone.
The victims were being transported in a truck when it crashed near the Panyam bridge in the Mangu local government area.
Yiljap Abraham, Director, Directorate of Media and Publicity, Atiku-Okowa/Mutfwang-Piyo Campaign Council, released the casualty figure and locations where survivors are receiving treatment as the Party’s Governorship candidate, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang called the incident “an enormous and painful tragedy,” and he suspended all campaign activities immediately.
Yiljap Abraham, Director, Directorate of Media and Publicity, Atiku-Okowa/Mutfwang-Piyo Campaign Council, released the casualty figure and locations where survivors are receiving treatment as the Party’s Governorship candidate, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang called the incident “an enormous and painful tragedy,” and he suspended all campaign activities immediately.
Abraham in a statement said, “It has been confirmed that seven people lost their lives in the road accident on Saturday evening involving supporters of the Plateau State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party.
“They were returning from the PDP flag-off and zonal rally held at Pankshin when their truck crashed on a slope between Pushit and the Panyam bridge in Mangu Local Government Area.
“32 of the passengers sustained varying degrees of injuries. 21 have been taken to Nissi Dominus hospital Mangu, one is at Nanret clinic Mangu and 10 are at the Jos University Teaching Hospital, JUTH.
“Two have been adjudged to be in critical condition with one undergoing emergency surgery at Nissi Dominus hospital. Meantime, the corpses have been removed from the scene and deposited at Allah Na Kowa hospital, Nissi Dominus hospital, and Mangu Cottage hospital.
“The evacuations were coordinated by the Medical Team of the Campaign Council headed by Dr. Juryit, some personal staff of the PDP Governorship Candidate, Barr Caleb Mutfwang with the aid of many sympathizers. In his initial reaction, Barr Mutfwang expressed shock at the tragedy. He has asked for prayers and every support to be extended to the grieving families and healing for those injured.”
“These are indeed gallant soldiers of democracy who gave their all,” Barr Mutfwang said of the accident victims, according to the statement. They are heroes of our democracy, and they deserve to be honored while also providing comfort to their families. Their sacrifices will not be in vain, we assure them.
“Their memories must stay with us as true partners in our determined march toward a genuine rescue of our nation and Plateau State.”
Senator Jonah Jang in a statement by his Media Consultant, Clinton Garuba 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 is 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.
“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.”
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