By Evelyn Usman and Idowu Olaide
Acting Inspector-General of Police, Mr Mohammed Abubakar, yesterday, paid condolence visits to widows of the pilot and co- pilot of last Wednesday helicopter crash in Jos, Plateau State, which also claimed the lives of Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Operations, Mr John Haruna, and his orderly.
The IG, in an emotional laden tone, regretted that the tragic incident occurred just when his administration was pushing for a better efficiency in the Nigeria Police.
In an outright display of concern for the widows, Abubakar declared that the police would henceforth be responsible for the education of the children of the affected families. He also stated that both families would remain in the police staff quarters for as long as they wished, an indication, he said, was not enough to compensate them over the loss of their bread winners.
His first port of call was at the residence of the widow of Assistant Commissioner of Police Garba Yakwu, where a Muslim prayer was made for the departed soul of the pilot of the ill-fated helicopter.
There was however an interruption as he was about to commiserate with the bereaved family, following an outburst by the deceased's eight year-old daughter who reportedly spoke with her dad shortly before he embarked on the journey.
After consoling the child, Abubakar said, "I am here on behalf of the Presidency to condole you on this very sad moment in the history of the Nigeria Police. This is the very first accident recorded in the history of the Air wing of the Nigeria Police. It is a very sad moment for me because it came at a time when I am pushing for better efficiency in the Force.
These officers, who died, were dedicated to serving the nation. One of them even flew me to Ila recently. In fact, they can be described as dedicated and loyal to the service. I pray that Allah give you the fortitude to bear the loss".
He thereafter visited the co-pilot's apartment in the same quarters located in Ikeja.
Deputy Inspector General of Police , Mr Marvel Akpoyibo, and a representative of the Police Service Commission, Comfort Obi, the new Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr Manku, among others, accompanied the acting IG.
AIB Investigating Crash- Senate Aviation Committee
Meanwhile, the Senate Committee Chairman on Aviation, Senator Hope Uzodimma, says the Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) of the Ministry of Aviation has commenced investigations into the crash. Uzodimma said apart from unraveling the circumstances, the probe would also provide solution to avert future occurrences.
Describing the incident as unfortunate, in a statement, he regretted that it had taken away the life of one of the best police officers in Nigeria (DIG John Haruna).
The senator, therefore, urged the families of the deceased person to take solace in the fact that the victims did not die in vain but in the service of their fatherland.
The chairman further stated said the Senate Aviation Committee had been collaborating with all the relevant stakeholders in the aviation industry to make the Nigerian airspace safe, adding that the unfortunate crash would spur the committee to further action.
Four senior police officials were killed last Wednesday morning when a police helicopter crashed into houses in the central city of Jos.
Vanguard Nigeria