Tragedy in Abuja: Three Children of Former AUN Provost, Prof Yusuf Attahir Baba, D!e in Fatal Crash

 

A devastating accident has claimed the lives of three children of Professor Yusuf Attahir Baba, the former provost of the American University of Nigeria (AUN). The tragic incident occurred on the night of Friday, May 9, 2025, at the Al-Noor junction in Wuse II, Abuja.

According to a report by Daily Trust, the crash happened at around 10:47 PM and involved a Toyota Camry (Registration No: GWA 626 BS) and an unmarked fire service truck belonging to the Federal Fire Service.

The Deputy Director of Fire, National Information Unit of the Federal Fire Service, Abdul Alhaji Ashafa, confirmed the incident. He stated that the fire truck was on its way to refill water for a fire emergency in the district when the car carrying the deceased rammed into it.

However, a viral video shared online presented a slightly different account. The video suggested that the fire truck was speeding to attend to an emergency when it crashed into the Camry at the junction.

A witness at the scene said, “Three of the four occupants of the car d!ed while one other sustained injury and was trapped in the car.”

She added that the rescue was delayed due to the lack of emergency tools and late arrival of the police.

“Unfortunately, one of the occupants inside the car was trapped for hours, and no emergency tools, while the police showed up at the scene late."

The witness also lamented the behavior of some bystanders:

“I can’t imagine when one of the boys inside the car that was trapped in between the metal is dying, but some people’s first instinct was to bring out their phones and started recording video. But I want to thank the good Samaritans who offered to help to rescue them to the hospital."

She said the victims were taken to an undisclosed hospital but claimed there was no trauma system available to handle such critical emergencies.

The most heartbreaking part, according to her, was that the victims’ family only found out about the accident through blogs and social media.

“It was unfortunate that some people preferred to film an accident victim instead of giving such victim a helping hand."

She also called on the management of the Federal Fire Service to thoroughly investigate the accident:

“I will also want to appreciate those involved in the rescue of the victims for their compassion for doing what those system supposed to do but could not do.”

The bodies of the deceased were taken from the hospital by their family and buried on Saturday at the Muslim Cemetery in Abuja. The fourth occupant, who was injured, is currently receiving treatment and responding well.

A family member, who chose to remain anonymous, described the event as deeply painful but accepted it as divine will:

“No one can question God’s judgement.”

Meanwhile, Deputy Director Abdul Alhaji Ashafa reaffirmed that the fire truck involved came from the Federal Secretariat and said an official investigation is already underway. He also mentioned that both the Federal Comptroller of Fire and the FCT Sector Commander have visited the bereaved family.

Our hearts go out to the family of Prof Yusuf Attahir Baba in this moment of immense grief. May the souls of the departed rest in peace.