The incident occurred behind Ta’al Conference Hotel, near the School of
Health, Lafia, on October 21, 2024.
The motorcycle rider, Tasiu Mohammed, Ashenenye and her son sustained
injuries.
The toddler and Mohammed were rushed to the Federal University of Lafia
Teaching Hospital for treatment while medical staff pronounced the woman dead
about 20 minutes after police brought her in.
Two days later, two DPOs visited her husband’s family to offer them
N100,000 to help bury Ashenenye. The family turned it down.
George Akube, Ashenenye’s younger brother, who spoke with Foundation for
Investigative Journalism, FIJ, said the family was only interested in
justice rather than monetary compensation.
"We learnt from witnesses that the policeman was driving a Hilux
from the government house,” Akube told the publication.
“He was driving at full speed, and when he collided with the motorcycle,
the damage was very significant to both parties.
“The policeman survived, but my sister died, and her son’s leg broke.
[My nephew] is in the hospital receiving treatment.
“Two days after the incident, we were doing my sister’s wake-keep when
two DPOs visited. They approached my brother and me to say they thought my
parents would be present. My elder brother asked them, ‘Is it here you want to
meet them?’
“They went
inside the house to meet my sister’s father-in-law and said that the
commissioner sent them to give us N100,000 to help with the burial
arrangements. We refused to collect it.," he added.
The spokesperson of the State Police Command, Ramhan
Nansel, who confirmed the incident said the police were
investigating the claims, adding that the policeman involved in the accident
suffered shock and was also rushed to the hospital.
“Unfortunately, Mrs Patience Akla [Ashenenye] passed away while
receiving medical attention while her son and the motorcyclist sustained
fractures on the thigh and arm, respectively, and are currently undergoing
treatment, while the police officer driving the police van was also
hospitalised at the Police Clinic, Lafia, as a result of shock,” the PPRO
said.
He described the N100,000 offer as the commissioner of police’s attempt
to reduce medical expenses but added that the police would now foot all the
bills.
“The Commissioner of Police, CP Umar Shehu Nadada psc, mni, upon receipt
of the information, sent a delegation to condole with the family, offered
support to reduce the medical expenses incurred, and has pledged to foot the
bills of those undergoing treatment,” he said.
“Furthermore, the officer who drove the vehicle also visited the family
after he was discharged from the hospital.”
"The case is still under investigation at the State Motor Traffic
Division.
“The Commissioner of Police has commiserated with the family over the
irreparable loss and prayed for the repose of the soul of their daughter/wife
and assured them that justice will be served.”
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