The widow of a commercial bus driver, Joseph Okpe, who allegedly died after being assaulted by personnel of the Nigerian Air Force along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway in Lagos, has accused the military of abandoning her family despite earlier assurances of support.
The deceased’s wife, Grace Joseph, said officials of the Air Force had visited the family after the incident and promised assistance but had not contacted them since then.
Okpe reportedly died hours after an altercation involving Air Force personnel following a traffic-related incident.
The Nigerian Air Force had, in a statement issued on Tuesday by its spokesman, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, confirmed that personnel linked to the incident had been detained pending investigations.
The Air Force also stated that it had visited the bereaved family to express condolences and offer support.
However, speaking with our correspondent on Wednesday, Grace said the visit raised hopes that her family would receive assistance, but nothing had happened afterwards.
According to her, the deceased was the sole provider for the family and his death has left her struggling to cater for their three children.
She said, “My husband was responsible for everything in the home. When the Air Force officials visited us, their words gave me hope that they would stand by the family. Since that day, I have not heard from them again.
“I don't know why things changed. They came, encouraged us and left, but there has been no communication afterwards.”
The widow said the loss had continued to affect their children, particularly the youngest, who constantly asks for his father.
She explained that her children are aged 14, 10 and five years, adding that the youngest has found it difficult to cope with the tragedy.
Grace disclosed that during the condolence visit, the Air Force gave her N200,000 to support the family, but said no further assistance had been received.
She appealed to the government to intervene in the welfare and education of the children, noting that their future had become uncertain following their father's death.
“I want the government to help me train the children and ensure they remain in school. Their father took care of all their needs before he died,” she said.
Recounting how she received news of the incident, Grace said she and her husband left home separately on the day of the tragedy, unaware it would be their last moment together.
She said she later received a phone call informing her that her husband had been involved in an accident and was receiving treatment at a hospital in Mushin.
According to her, she contacted family members and made efforts to reach the hospital, but transportation challenges at night delayed their movement.
She added that while they were still making arrangements to see him, a doctor called back to inform her that her husband had died.
Grace said she visited the hospital the following morning, where she saw her husband's lifeless body.
The Nigerian Air Force had earlier assured the public that investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident were ongoing and that both military and civil authorities were handling the matter.
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