The acting Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Mrs Caroline Adepoju, on Monday, ordered an immediate investigation into the cause of Sunday’s auto accident that killed at least four personnel of the service.

This is as seven injured personnel are undergoing treatment at the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano and burial arrangements are underway for the departed persons.

Briefing journalists at the Service Headquarters in Abuja, the NIS Public Relations Officer, Dr Dotun Aridegbe, said the CGI also declared three days of mourning even as flags will fly at half mast in all commands nationwide.

He explained, “The acting Comptroller General of Immigration, Caroline Adepoju, is deeply grieved by this loss and is personally extending her condolences and support to the families of the deceased. The Service stands firmly with those left behind by their breadwinners during this distressing period.

“An immediate investigation has been ordered by the Acting CG to ascertain the remote cause of the accident.

“We are committed to understanding the circumstances that led to this tragic event and will take appropriate measures to prevent such incidents in the future.”

Recall that a Nissan 18-seater bus with plate number ‘Immigration HQ, 1001S’ conveying mostly members of the service’s musical band from Kano to Abuja lost control after suffering a tyre burst.

The crew had accompanied the acting Comptroller-General of Immigration to Kano State for the Presidential Commissioning and Passing Out Parade of the 48th Superintendent Basic Course 2023 at the Immigration Training School in Kano on Saturday.

The accident, which happened along the Kano-Zaria Expressway on Sunday morning, left at least four persons dead, Dr Aridegbe confirmed on Monday.

Those who lost their lives included the driver, two brothers who suffered fatal head injuries and an officer in the Public Relations Unit, whom a senior source simply identified as Francis.

Giving details of the incident, the Service Spokesperson narrated, “Yesterday, a group of eleven of our personnel were returning to Abuja from an official assignment in Kano in an 18-seater official bus.

“Tragically, they were involved in a ghastly accident a few kilometres from Kano. As a result, four of our personnel lost their lives. This has been a deeply distressing and sorrowful moment for all of us within the Nigeria Immigration Service.

“Seven of our colleagues who sustained various degrees of injuries are currently receiving treatment at the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital in Kano. Our thoughts and prayers are with them for a swift and complete recovery.”

Aridegbe noted, “This is a time of deep reflection for the entire Nigeria Immigration Service family.”

Therefore, “The Acting CGI has directed all Commands and Formation Heads to fly our flag at half-mast for the next seven days.

“We will observe a three-day mourning period in honor and memory of our fallen colleagues,” he added.

The Service also said it had informed the families of the deceased, saying, “Arrangements for the burials of our departed colleagues are being organised with utmost care and respect.”