Three families in Plateau State have petitioned the Inspector General of Police (IGP), demanding justice after their relatives were hit by a drunk driver in the Rayfield area of Jos South Local Government Area, leaving two amputated and one paralyzed.
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 lost control, crashed into a building, and inflicted severe injuries on them. They are currently receiving treatment at Potters Specialist Hospital in Jos.
A family spokesperson told DAILY POST on Tuesday that although the driver was initially arrested, he was later released to a surety, Mr. Bulus Damul, who had promised to cover medical expenses. However, out of an estimated N8 million hospital bill, only N2 million has reportedly been paid, after which the driver’s guardian allegedly withdrew support.
Jemimah Bayei, sister of one of the victims, said doctors had no choice but to amputate the legs of two of the young men due to the extent of the damage. She accused Damul of abandoning the victims despite an initial agreement that the driver’s family would bear full responsibility for medical expenses.
“Mr. Damul had earlier agreed to pay for the treatment, but he no longer responds to our calls. He doesn’t show concern for what his ward has done to these young men. To our shock, we also discovered that the driver has been released without our knowledge because they are very influential,” she alleged.
Another relative, Mrs. Bridget Pam, described the situation as unjust. “We have been left with medical expenses that we cannot afford. My brother has lost his leg completely. We are calling on authorities to intervene and compel the family to fulfill their obligations,” she said.
In response, Mr. Damul denied abandoning the victims, insisting he had visited them in the hospital with his family and pastor. He explained that while he initially agreed to cover 80 percent of the expenses, the victims’ families later presented a Memorandum of Understanding demanding he set aside N30 million for medical bills or pay N75 million if he defaulted.
“I have already paid N2 million, but when they brought that MOU, I refused because it was not part of the original agreement. I never said I would take them to court,” Damul stated.
