The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Monday directed that party flags at the National Secretariat in Abuja be flown at half-mast in honour 16 members who died on Saturday in a motor accident in Plateau.

The party in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr Debo Ologunagba on Abuja said the PDP family was grief-stricken over the ghastly motor accident.

"Our hearts bleed. Our Party deeply grieves at the loss of these patriotic Nigerians who paid the supreme prize while gallantly devoting their lives in the quest with other compatriots to rescue our nation.

"The PDP mourns these courageous patriots who lost their lives in the pursuit of a better country with a purposeful leadership that cares for the wellbeing of all citizens, adding that they shall never be forgotten."

Ologunagba said that in honour of those brave compatriots PDP had directed that its flags at the National Secretariat in Abuja be flown at half-mast while urging Nigerians not to relent in prayers for the nation at this crucial time.

Ologunagba commiserated with the families of the victims of the accident

He prayed to God to grant them to grace to bear the loss and to heal the injured and grant them speedy recovery.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Plateau confirmed the death of 16 persons with 83 others sustaining various degrees of injuries.

The FRSC sais it was a lone crash involving a truck conveying PDP supporters from campaign rally in Plateau Central Zone of the state.

The corps said the number of people involved was 99, 16 people adult male lost their lives while 83 people sustained various degree of injuries.

Those injured, the corps said, were taken to hospitals in Panyam and Mangu towns by FRSC operatives of Pankshin Unit Command. (NAN)