By Our Correspondent

National News – The widow of a commercial bus driver, Mr. Joseph Okpe, who allegedly died after an assault by personnel of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway in Lagos, has appealed to the Federal Government for assistance, claiming that promises made by the military following the incident have not been fulfilled.

Mrs. Grace Joseph, a mother of three, said the Air Force had not contacted her family since officials paid a condolence visit and pledged support after her husband’s death. According to her, the deceased was the sole breadwinner of the family, and his absence has left her struggling to provide for their children.

The Nigerian Air Force had earlier confirmed that personnel allegedly connected to the incident had been detained pending investigations. In a statement, NAF spokesperson, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the Air Force was deeply saddened by the loss and assured that both military and civil authorities were investigating the circumstances surrounding the death. He also stated that the Air Force had visited the family to express condolences and offer support.

Speaking on Wednesday, however, Mrs. Joseph said that apart from a one-time payment of N200,000 made during the condolence visit, no further assistance had been received. She noted that the promises made by the delegation raised hopes that the family would receive sustained support, but those expectations have not materialised. She added that her children, aged 14, 10 and five, continue to struggle with the loss of their father, with the youngest frequently asking about him.

The widow appealed to government authorities to intervene in the welfare and education of her children. She stressed that her late husband was responsible for meeting all the family’s needs and urged the authorities to ensure that the children do not lose access to education because of the tragedy.

Recounting the events leading to her husband’s death, Mrs. Joseph said she was informed by telephone on the night of the incident that her husband had been involved in an accident. She said efforts by family members to reach the hospital where he was receiving treatment were hampered by transportation difficulties late at night. According to her, shortly after speaking with a doctor attending to him, she received another call informing her that her husband had died.

The incident has attracted public attention and renewed concerns over alleged misconduct by security personnel. While investigations continue, the family is seeking justice and long-term support to cope with the loss of their primary provider.