ARMSTRONG ALLAHMAGANI, Bauchi –
Tears flowed freely as the remains of a couple, Pastor Kenneth Azifor and his wife Sandra, who died in a fatal crash along Darazo – Kari – Azare road of Bauchi state, 15 days ago, were laid to rest.
NATIONAL ACCORD had reported that Azifor, a Cameroonian Pastor and French teacher living and working in Bauchi, his wife Sandra and two other people, were traveling to Azare, Katagum Local Government Area, on Friday, 17th September, 2021 when they had a lone fatal crash. Only the driver of the vehicle survived.
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The couple who were said to be newly engaged on a part-time basis with Marketing Company, were traveling to Azare for a “promo activation” when they met their death.
The Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Corp, Bauchi State, Yusuf Abdullahi, who confirmed the crash to our Correspondent in a telephone conversation, said that it was caused by “wrongful overtaking” and the driver lost control while returning to his lane.
The remains of the couple who got married in April, 2012, were laid to rest on Saturday at the Christian Cemetery, Rafin Zurfi, after a funeral service was held at the Overcomers’ Chapel, Federal Polytechnic, Bauchi.
Family and hundreds of Church members, neighbours and sympathizers could not hold their emotions, as they cried uncontrollably.
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Azifor, the first among 8 children who was born in Baffousssan, West Region of Cameroon, held a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from the University of Jos, Plateau State, an MSc. in Conflict Management and Peace Studies and a Postgraduate diploma in Education, died at the age of 45.
His wife Sandra, an indigene of Ogbangede, Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State, held a Diploma in Accounting, was the 6th among 7 children. She died at the age of 40.
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In her tribute, Kenneth’s mother, Christiana Azifor, said it is hard for her to believe that her son was dead.
She said: “Son you may have overtaken me in the journey of this life and though it’s hard to accept but I have to because the ways of God are not the ways of man.
“Just know that the love I had for you from birth has done nothing besides growing stronger and stronger as I watched you turn into the fine purpose-driven man that you became. May the positive impact of you passage on this earth live on in our hearts. Mommy love you always.”
His elder sister, Regina Kimbi, described the incident as a shock to her because death snatched him away.
“Words fail me, my heart is broken, death snatched you away knowing that I still needed you around to look after me and handle the family and your siblings, my consolation is that you knew God and also you left behind my grand children to always remind me of you. I love you and keep resting in the bossom of God.”
Sandra’s immediate younger sister, Ochepo Odangla, also in her tribute, said that growing up with her sister was one of the best things that happened to her.
“My dear sister, growing up with you as a child and having you as my immediate elder sister is one of the best thing that happened to me as a person in my entire life. You were there for me, fought for me and stood by me in both good and bad times.
“You’re a definition of a true and loving sister, though there were times we disagreed on some things, but we surely shifted grounds to come to terms. You went all the way by showing how much you truly loved me by naming your first child after me what more can you not do for me.
“The news of you and your husband’s demise was something I never saw coming. It’s something I will always wish it’s a dream but God knows best, my darling sister and Pastor Ken, continue to rest well with the Lord until we meet again on the resurrection day,” she said.
The couple left behind siblings, relatives and three young children with the first born said to be about eight years old.
Bauchi,
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