A woman and her children narrowly escaped death, while four houses were burnt to ashes when a motor vehicle veered uncontrollably off the road and rammed into a residential house, causing widespread destruction in Jigawa State.
The frightening accident occurred on Sunday in Dutse, the Jigawa State capital, sparking fear among residents living near the roadside.
Eyewitnesses reported that the vehicle crashed into a residential building, collapsing the wall and driving straight into the living room where the woman and her children were sleeping.
Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer, Jigawa State Command, DSP Shi’isu Adam, described the tragic incident as occurring early on Sunday morning.
Fortunately, DSP Adam confirmed, “A woman and her children escaped death, but four houses were burnt to ashes during the incident.”
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, the incident occurred at about 0030hrs at Elpies Street, Mobile Quarters, Dutse.
Information was received that one Muhammad Galadima, 32, and Abdullahi Abubakar Sadiq, 41, both of the same address, suspected to be under the influence of alcohol, dangerously drove a Toyota Corolla with registration number NSR 120 BC,” Adam stated.
“As a result, both the vehicle and the entire house were engulfed in flames, which affected three other neighbouring houses that were also burnt to ashes,” the PPRO explained.
He further confirmed, “God willing, no life was lost in the incident due to the prompt response of the police and firefighters.”
“On receipt of the report, a team of policemen rushed to the scene, and the inferno was extinguished by the combined efforts of firefighters and good Samaritans,” Adam said.
Preliminary investigations revealed that Muhammad Galadima, the owner of the vehicle, deliberately handed over the key to Abdullahi Abubakar Sadiq, who admitted he did not know how to drive.
“Both suspects and the vehicle have been taken into custody for diligent investigation,” Adam added.
The PPRO assured that upon completion of the thorough investigation, all suspects would be prosecuted accordingly.
“We will ensure that justice is served, and those responsible for this incident are held accountable,” Adam said.
“We urge all drivers to exercise caution and responsibility while driving, especially during the festive season,” he added.
Considering the extensive damage caused by the incident, the Jigawa Police Command appealed to residents to report any suspicious activity or reckless driving to the nearest police station.
The Command also commended the firefighters and good Samaritans for their quick response. “Their prompt response and selfless efforts saved lives and prevented further destruction,” Adam said.
Adam emphasised, “The Police will continue to work tirelessly to prevent incidents like this from occurring and to bring perpetrators to justice.”
Our correspondent learned that the incident has raised concerns about the safety of residents living in houses situated along roadsides in Dutse, particularly the risks posed by reckless driving.
(PUNCH)