Eight persons died in a fatal road traffic crash at Kili village on the Darazo-Kari Federal Highway in Darazo Local Government Area of Bauchi State on Thursday, while seven others sustained varying degrees of injuries.
A report made available by the Bauchi State Sector Commander of the Federal Roads Safety Corps (FRSC), Yusuf Abdullahi, late Thursday, said the crash occurred at about 12:03 pm, adding that it involved a grey coloured Volkswagen Sharan mini bus with registration number, BCH 465 XA, which belongs to the fleet of NURTW used for commercial purposes.
The report added that 15 passengers, consisting of four male adults, six female adults, two male children and three female children, were involved in the crash.
According to the report, three male adults, two female adults and three children comprising two male and one female, while seven adults, one male, four female and two female children sustained injuries ranging from bruises, head injuries to fractures.
The report stated that the probable cause of the crash was tyre bursts, adding that the remains of the deceased were taken to the Darazo General Hospital for confirmation.
It added that the injured were also taken to the same hospital for treatment, while some personal effects were retrieved from the accident scene. Following the non-payment of their six months’ salary arrears and allowances, the Benue State House of Assembly members have suspended their plenary.
As a result of the suspension, the controversial Executive Pension Bill sent to the house by Governor Samuel Ortom for approval is on hold.
The bill reportedly grants past Governors of the state four new cars every four years and permanent accommodation. And also proposes hiring six personal staff for ex-governors and three for their deputies.
The bill, which has passed its first reading, provides free medical treatment for the governor’s family, including four of their children under 18.
Hon. Bem Mngutyo, a member of the House, on Thursday disclosed that the House “resolved not to sit until our emoluments and salaries are paid”, The Nation reported.
Mngutyo further hinted that Governor Ortom met with the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, members of the House last weekend over the issue and promised to pay the arrears of allowances and salary with the state’s May federal allocation before he exits office in the next 18 days.
