The widow of a commercial bus driver allegedly beaten to death by personnel of the Nigerian Air Force on the Oshodi–Apapa Expressway in Lagos has accused the military of abandoning her family despite assurances of support following the incident.
Grace Joseph, whose husband, Joseph Okpe, reportedly died after an alleged assault by Air Force officers following a minor traffic dispute, said the military had not contacted her since a condolence visit shortly after his death.
Speaking in an interview, the grieving mother of three said her late husband was the family’s sole provider and lamented the hardship his death had brought upon the household.
According to her, officials of the Air Force visited the family after the incident and offered words of encouragement, raising hopes that assistance would follow.
“They came to sympathise with us and assured us of support. Their words gave me hope at the time, but since that visit, I have not heard from them again,” she said.
Grace noted that her husband’s absence had been particularly difficult for their children, who continue to struggle with the loss.
She said the youngest of the three children, aged five, frequently asks for his father and has found it difficult to come to terms with the tragedy. The other children are aged 10 and 14.
The widow disclosed that the only assistance received from the Air Force was a cash donation of N200,000 during the condolence visit.
“They said the money was to help me take care of the children. Since then, there has been no further communication or support,” she said.
She appealed to the government to intervene by assisting with the welfare and education of her children, stressing that their late father had been responsible for all family expenses.
“My greatest concern now is the future of my children. I want the government to help ensure they can continue their education and live a better life,” she pleaded.
Recounting the events surrounding her husband’s death, Grace described the incident as a devastating shock.
She said both she and her husband left home on the day of the incident for their respective engagements, only for her to receive a distressing phone call later that night informing her that he had been involved in an accident.
According to her, efforts by family members to reach the hospital were delayed due to transportation challenges late in the evening.
She explained that while they were making arrangements to get to the hospital, a doctor attending to her husband called back moments later to announce that he had died.
“The next morning, I went to the hospital and saw my husband lying lifeless on the bed. It was a moment I will never forget,” she said.
The Nigerian Air Force had earlier confirmed that personnel linked to the incident had been taken into custody and were undergoing investigation.
In a statement, the Air Force spokesman, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, expressed regret over the incident and assured the public that both military and civil authorities were investigating the matter.
He also stated that the Air Force had visited the bereaved family to convey its condolences and support.
Meanwhile, the widow has called for justice and sustained assistance, saying the loss of her husband has left the family facing an uncertain future.