The Management Committee set up by the Plateau State Chapter of the PDP following two road accidents involving its members in the state who were travelling on the days of its rallies last month has released further updates on the casualties.

In a statement signed by Hon. Yiljap Abraham the Director, Directorate of Media and Publicity Atiku-Okowa Mutfwang-Piyo Campaign Council Plateau State, the Committee confirms the final death toll now as 14, up from the 13 previously reported. Ten of the injured are still receiving treatment at the Jos University Teaching Hospital.

The nine-member Committee is chaired by the former Secretary to the Government of Plateau State Prof Shedrack Best.

At its inaugural sitting in Jos, the committee revealed that more than 68 of those involved in the accidents have been discharged from the Jos University Teaching Hospital and five other health facilities inside Mangu town and Panyam.

No other injured persons are on admission in any health facility outside JUTH.

Prof Best said the numbers of those discharged showed that 26 were from COCIN Hospital Panyam, 19 from Nisi Dominus Hospital Mangu, 12 from Infinity Hospital, 6 from People’s Nursing Home, Mangu, and 5 from Nanretji Hospital, also in Mangu.

The Committee has also revealed that it has settled the medical bills of all those who have been discharged from various hospitals while more interventions will be undertaken in due course to ameliorate the suffering of the victims.

Prof. Best said the Committee has obtained information based on an adopted template to aid in executing its assignment. Facts gathered showed that of the 141 people involved in the two accidents and one mishap at Shendam, 14 died, 83 have what have been rated as “mild injuries”, 17 have “moderate injuries” and ten have “severe” injuries. Those with severe injuries will need long term follow up and rehabilitation.

It commended the party’s Presidential Candidate Atiku Abubakar with his wife Princess Ruqaiya Atiku Abubakar and the PDP National Chairman Dr Iyorchia Ayu for their visits to the survivors in Jos and their generous donations for the victims.

The Committee also appreciated the roles played by the Gubernatorial Candidate, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang, his wife, Mrs. Helen Mutfwang, his running mate, Hon. Josephine Piyo, former Governor Jonah Jang, the state party Chairman, Hon. Chris Hassan, the State Working Committee, DG of the Campaign Council Hon. Letep Dabang, Council members, elders of the party, National Assembly and State House of Assembly members, other critical stakeholders, members and admirers of the party who visited and supported the victims and their relations both at the hospitals and at their homes.

The Committee also thanked the Management and staff of JUTH, those of health facilities in Mangu and Panyam as well as the PDP Campaign Medical Team for their quick responses and interventions in the aftermath of the tragedy.

It expressed gratitude to the Mishkaham Mwaghavul Da John Putmang Hirse, the District Head of Ampang West Da Pius Mutla, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission, Rev Yakubu Pam, the clerics who performed various rites and all public-spirited individuals who donated money, blood and other necessary items to help ease the pains of the survivors and families of those who died.

The Management Committee was established as part of the critical responses of the PDP gubernatorial candidate and the party leadership to among other functions, generate and manage funds realised following the accidents.

Barr Mutfwang, in his initial reaction had referred to the party members involved in the accidents as “heroes of our democracy” and pledged that they will not be forgotten.

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Truck Accident: Management Committee Renders Further Update on Casualties and Unveil Plans Ahead