Six supporters die in road accident

Six supporters of Mohammed Adamu, the former Inspector-General of Police and governorship candidate for the Social Democratic Party in Nasarawa State, have died in a road crash in Lafia on Monday.

Many supporters were heading to Awe Local Government Area for a political event when their vehicle crashed near the Lafia Flyover, according to reports from the campaign group and others.

The campaign group reported that six people died in the crash, but the police said there were four deaths.

The police stated that the vehicle had brake failure after leaving the SDP secretariat along Jos Road in Lafia, leading to a collision with a J5 bus.

Ramhan Nansel, the police spokesperson in the state, mentioned that 29 people were thrown from the vehicle due to the impact.

Mr Nansel reported that one person died at the scene while three others passed away in the hospital.

He added that 11 other people with minor injuries were treated and released.

Otaru Douglas, the Director of Media and Strategic Communications for the Adamu campaign, confirmed the accident.

He said that Mr Adamu and his wife are supporting the families affected by this tragedy.

“May God grant eternal rest to those who died and quick recovery to those with injuries,” Mr Douglas said.

Nawani Aboki, the State Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, sent the government’s condolences to Mr Adamu, the SDP campaign group, and the families of the victims.

Mr Aboki said the people of Nasarawa were shocked and saddened by the news.

“The government shares in the grief of the families who lost their loved ones in this tragic event. Our thoughts and prayers are with those injured and receiving treatment,” he said.

The commissioner called on political leaders and campaign groups to teach their supporters about safe road use, especially as political activities ramp up for the 2027 election.

Mr Aboki also urged relevant government bodies and stakeholders to boost public awareness campaigns to reduce road accidents across the state.

The Nasarawa State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has also expressed condolences to the victims' families and the SDP campaign group.

Rukayya, Mr Adamu’s wife, reportedly led a group to sympathize with the victims' families.

This incident happened as political parties in Nasarawa are ramping up efforts ahead of the 2027 governorship election, with supporters expected to travel for rallies, meetings, and other campaign events.

The police report that the vehicle had brake failure highlights the need for ensuring that vehicles used for transporting political supporters are safe for the road.