Grace Joseph, the widow of commercial bus driver Joseph Okpe, has accused the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) of abandoning her family after her husband’s death, despite assurances of support during a condolence visit.
According to a report by Punch Newspapers, Okpe died hours after he was allegedly assaulted by Nigerian Air Force personnel following a minor traffic incident along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway in Lagos.
The NAF had earlier confirmed that personnel linked to the incident were detained and that investigations were ongoing. Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, spokesperson for the Nigerian Air Force, said the force was saddened by the incident and had extended condolences to the family.
However, Grace said the promises made during the visit have not been fulfilled.
Speaking in a telephone interview with Punch, she said her husband was the family’s sole provider and that she has not heard from Air Force representatives since they visited shortly after his death.
“He was the breadwinner,” she said, adding that the officials’ words initially gave her hope that the family would receive continued assistance.
The widow revealed that the delegation gave her ₦200,000 to help care for the children but said no further contact or support has followed.
She said the family is struggling to cope, particularly her three children, aged 14, 10 and five, who continue to ask about their father.
Grace appealed to the Federal Government to intervene by supporting the children’s welfare and education.
“What I want the government to do for me is to help me train my children and support their education,” she said, noting that her late husband had been responsible for meeting all the family’s needs.
She also recounted the events leading to his death, describing how she received a phone call after 8 p.m. informing her that her husband had been involved in an accident and was receiving treatment at a hospital in Mushin.
According to her, transportation difficulties prevented the family from reaching the hospital immediately. While speaking with a doctor by phone, she was later informed that her husband had died.
The following morning, she visited the hospital and identified his body.
The case has attracted public attention following allegations that Air Force personnel fatally assaulted the driver after a minor road incident. The Nigerian Air Force says investigations by both civil and military authorities are continuing.
