No fewer than five members of the same family have lost their lives in a tragic road accident along the Damaturu–Maiduguri highway in Yobe State.
A relative of the victims, Dahiru Musa Talba, confirmed the development in a Facebook post, disclosing that five family members died in the crash while three others sustained varying degrees of injuries.
According to him, the injured victims were rushed to the General Hospital in Damaturu, where they are currently receiving treatment.
Expressing deep grief, Talba described the incident as devastating.
“Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un. My mom has died,” he wrote.
He added that the accident occurred along the busy highway, known for heavy vehicular movement.
A family friend, Suraj Muh’d Jaji Guyik, who also reacted to the incident, said, “The incident happened on their way coming from Maiduguri to Potiskum after a condolence visit for their loved ones. They are being evacuated to the YSSH A/E treatment center. We had all the urgent medical consumables needed, supported by YSSH management and individuals at large, thanks to those who supported. We appreciate everyone’s efforts, especially CMD Dr Usman Abba Geidam’s prompt response despite being abroad for Umrah.”
He wrote, “May Allah forgive them and grant the souls continued rest in perfect peace. Accept my condolences, friend Taheer Musa Talba Shuwa”
Confirming the crash, the Yobe State Police Public Relations Officer, Dungus Abdulkarim, said five persons were confirmed dead while others sustained injuries.
“The accident involved members of the same family. Five persons were confirmed dead, while others sustained varying degrees of injuries,” he stated.
He added that investigations were ongoing to determine the cause of the accident.
The deceased were identified as Hajjagana Dahiru Zayi, Ibrahim Dahiru Zayi, Muhammad Dahiru Zayi, Hauwa Dahiru Zayi, and another family member.
Residents described the incident as heartbreaking and called on motorists to exercise caution on the highway to prevent further loss of lives.
Meanwhile, the Governor of Yobe State, Mai Mala Buni, has sympathized with the father of the victims, Alhaji Mohammad Dahiru Zayi, over the tragic loss.
In a statement signed by his Director-General, Press and Media Affairs, Mamman Muhammad, the governor described the incident as “terrifying, tragic and devastating.”
“This is a sad, very unfortunate and trying moment for the family and the entire state.
“We pray to Allah (SWT) to forgive their shortcomings and grant their souls eternal rest in Jannatul Firdaus,” Buni said.
He added that losing five family members in a single accident was unimaginable, noting that as believers, “we accept that this is their appointed time.”
The governor also prayed for strength for the bereaved family to bear the irreparable loss.
NaijaNews/ Tunmise Adesanmi
