Three families from Dung, Bayei, and Dachung have petitioned the Inspector General of Police to ensure justice for their relatives who a car driver hit in the Rayfield community of Jos South Local Government Area in Plateau State.

The victims, who were badly hit by the driver, leading to the amputation of two individuals’ legs and paralysis in another, are currently at the Potters Specialist Hospital, Jos.

The families of the victims, who described the situation as inhuman, made the call on Tuesday during a peace walk to demand justice.

According to the family’s narration, the victims—Isaac Dung, Nathan Bayei and Chomo Dachung—were returning from watching the Arsenal vs. Manchester United match on August 17 when the driver rammed into the fence of a building, causing severe damage to their legs.

Jemimah Bayei, a sister of one of the victims, said, “After the incident, the victims were rushed to the hospital, the injuries were severe, and one’s right leg had to be amputated, and the left leg was critically damaged. The third one almost had his right side paralysed.”

Jemimah further noted that after the incident, all parties had agreed that the driver’s family would cover all the victims’ medical expenses, which currently amount to about N8 million, even before the end of the treatment. However, she alleged that the guardian of the driver, who stood in for the driver, has reneged on the agreement, leaving the families with a burden they cannot afford.

“Mr. Damul had earlier agreed to pay for the medical expenses, but is no longer responding to the payment. He is also not responding to our calls. He doesn’t show any concern for what they’ve done to the victims’ lives. We have also learned that the driver, who was earlier arrested, has been released without our knowledge because they are very influential,” Jemimah said.

Mrs. Bridget Pam, a relative of another victim, lamented what she described as an injustice, calling on the relevant authorities to assist them. She said, “We have been left with medical expenses that we cannot afford. My brother cannot sleep; he has lost his leg completely. We are urging the relevant authorities to compel the family to cover the medical expenses of our brothers.”

Reacting to the accusation, the guardian of the driver, Mr. Bulus Damul, denied not responding to their calls, claiming that he had gone to the hospital to visit the victims with his family and his pastor.

He said, “Initially, I agreed to pay 80 per cent of the medical expenses and the victims’ family would pay 20 per cent. I have already paid N2 million. However, the controversy started when they later brought an MOU stating that I must pay N30 million as the estimated medical bill, or if I don’t set aside that amount, I would pay N75 million.

From there, I said no, because that was not the initial agreement. I am also responding to their calls; I never said I would take them to court.”

Mr. Raymond Sunday, an ASP from the Anglo Police Divisional Headquarters, Jos, who attended the Peace Walk alongside other police officers, acknowledged the report of the Incident at their police station. He called on the participants of the peace walk to be patient and asked the family members to meet them at the station.

Two of the victims, Issac Dung and Chomo Dachung, are currently receiving treatment at the Potters Specialist Hospital, Jos. (The Guardian)