Posted by Samuel on Fri 25th Jul, 2025 - tori.ng
In May, the Federal Fire Service (FFS) management issued an apology after one of its rescue trucks collided with a private vehicle, killing three siblings and injuring one person.
The Yusuf family is demanding justice and immediate reforms following the tragic loss of their three sons in a hit-and-run accident involving a fire truck in Abuja on May 9, 2025.
In May, the Federal Fire Service (FFS) management issued an apology after one of its rescue trucks collided with a private vehicle, killing three siblings and injuring one person.
In a statement on Sunday, Momodu Ganiyu, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) controller, expressed profound regret over the tragic incident.
The incident happened at the ECOWAS junction in Wuse 2, Abuja during a firefighting operation at Avenue Plaza, Banex.
Ganiyu explained that one of the fire trucks had exhausted its water supply and was en route to refill.
He said the truck was operating at a high speed with its siren blaring before it collided with the affected Toyota Camry, which was emerging from a connecting street at the junction.
But in an emotional public statement titled “A Thank You Note from the Yusuf Family,” the grieving family recounted the harrowing incident in which a fire truck — a vehicle meant to save lives — struck the car carrying their sons and fled the scene without rendering aid or alerting authorities.
“Instead of stopping to render aid or alert authorities, the truck fled the scene,” the family wrote.
Emergency response agencies, including the police and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), arrived late and reportedly lacked the necessary equipment to assist the victims.
The ambulance that eventually transported the boys to Maitama Hospital was also “ill-equipped,” while the hospital itself was said to be unable to provide critical care.
“In their darkest hour, our boys were failed at every level by the very systems meant to protect them,” the family lamented.
Three of the four young victims of the accident — Yusuf Attahir Yusuf (22), Yusuf Tahir Yunus (19), and Muhammad Attahir Yusuf (14) — were pronounced dead. Their deaths, the family said, were avoidable.
While condemning the failures of state institutions, the family expressed deep gratitude for the solidarity, compassion, and support shown by ordinary Nigerians in the aftermath of the tragedy.
“While the institutions of the Nigerian state failed our children, ordinary Nigerians from every corner of the nation surrounded us with extraordinary compassion, solidarity, and shared grief. As a family, we are profoundly humbled and grateful for this outpouring of love,” the statement read.
The family extended special thanks to the good Samaritans who spent more than three hours trying to free the boys from the wreckage, describing their actions as courageous and unforgettable.
Thousands of Nigerians reportedly visited the family’s home to offer prayers, condolences, and emotional support.
“We have read every message, held many of you close, and drawn strength from your collective grief. May the Almighty Allah bless you abundantly,” they said.
Describing the deceased boys as “Nigeria’s pride — bright, compassionate, and full of promise,” the family emphasised their resolve to honour their memory by advocating for positive change.
They called on the Nigerian government to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation into the tragedy, reform emergency response systems to ensure timely and well-equipped interventions, and equip hospitals and agencies to save lives in critical moments.
“Our boys deserved better. All Nigerians deserve better. Let their passing ignite a commitment to accountability, justice, and systemic change.”
The family also offered prayers for their sons — Yusuf (Waleed), Yusuf (Bappa), and Muhammad (Hamoudi) — and expressed hope that their memory would inspire a safer and more compassionate nation.