14 teenagers crushed to death in Plateau to be buried Tuesday

Governor Jonah Jang of Plateau on Monday commiserated with families of the 14 children crushed by a vehicle at Mazat Village in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area.
The 14 children – eight Girls’ Guide and six Boys’ Brigade- were jogging on Saturday morning as part of their training when they were crushed to death by a car travelling from Bokkos on high speed.
Mr. Jang, who was emotionally moved by the incident, described it as “very shocking and sad”, and cautioned motorists against recklessness on the highway.
“We have lost precious leaders of tomorrow to somebody’s recklessness but all the same, only God knows why; He must have allowed it for a purpose.
“Only God can explain why this large number of young people should die at a go; it is not sickness, it is not war, yet a colossal loss,” he lamented.
The governor enjoined the families to take solace in God, especially when they (children) died in the course of His (God’s) service.
He, however, enjoined parents not to be discouraged by the incident but to allow their wards to join the Boys’ Brigade and Girls’ Guide as part of their service to God in the Church.
He said that his administration would ensure the children were given a befitting burial.
Mr. Jang charged the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to ensure that all the roads within the state were effectively patrolled to check motorists’ recklessness.
Earlier, Emmanuel Loman, Chairman, Barkin Ladi Local Government Council, thanked the governor for the condolence visit.
He said the council had had various kinds of misfortunes for some time now and that the people had been taking solace in God.
“Only God knows why all these are happening to us,” he said.
The burial late children, whose ages were between 10 and 18 years, has been slated for Tuesday.