Mother, children cheats death as car plows into homes in Jigawa

A woman and her children narrowly escaped death when a vehicle lost control and crashed into a residential house in Dutse, Jigawa State, early Sunday morning.

The accident caused significant damage, with four houses destroyed in the ensuing fire.

Eyewitnesses revealed that the vehicle veered off the road, rammed through the wall of a house, and drove into the living room where the family was asleep. Despite the terrifying incident, the family miraculously survived.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Jigawa State Command, DSP Shi’isu Adam, confirmed the accident, noting the widespread destruction.

“A woman and her children escaped death, but four houses were burnt to ashes during the incident,” DSP Adam stated.

The incident has left residents living near the roadside in fear, highlighting the need for stricter safety measures to prevent such occurrences.

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.