18 cops feared dead in Ogun auto crash

By  Ifeanyi Okolie
THE Nigeria Police yesterday lost 18 of its officers in a ghastly auto crash. The accident happened in the Remo area of  Ogun State. The cause of the accident could not be immediately ascertained as at press time. However, sources said the two front tyres of the bus burst almost at the same time while on high speed, forcing it to somersault severally thereby, flinging some of the occupants out of the vehicle.

It was learnt that the officers were serving in the Oyo Police Command before the sad incident.  According to police sources, the policemen were among the recently-promoted by the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Mike Okiro. They were  promoted from Constable to Corporal. They were going for an induction course at the  police training school in Iperu before the tragedy.

Identities of other victims in the bus could not be ascertained as at press time.

When contacted, the Police Force Public Relations Officer, Mr. Emmanuel Ojukwu said he was yet to get details of the accident, saying it will be difficult for him to confirm it.

But a credible police source who confirmed the accident described as ‘devastating’.  The force image maker said,  “I cannot confirm it to you because I have made contacts and none is forthcoming.  I do not have details and therefore, I cannot confirm the accident to you.