In a devastating road accident that has shaken Kogi State, 19 people tragically lost their lives after a head-on collision between a commercial passenger bus and a heavy-duty truck on Sunday.
The fatal crash occurred along the Okene Bypass, part of the busy Okene-Lokoja highway. According to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the impact of the collision caused a massive fire that completely engulfed both vehicles. Sadly, all 19 victims were burned beyond recognition at the scene, leaving families and local residents in mourning.
The FRSC’s sector commander in Kogi, Samuel Oyedeji, confirmed the heartbreaking details, explaining that the crash was likely due to wrongful overtaking and excessive speed, which are persistent issues on Nigeria’s highways. The vehicles involved—a Toyota Hiace bus traveling from Kano and a DAF articulated truck—were reduced to smoldering wrecks by the time emergency responders arrived.
Authorities have stressed the urgent need for heightened road safety measures, including stricter enforcement of speed limits and more public awareness campaigns. They have also called on commercial drivers to exercise extreme caution, especially when navigating narrow or busy routes.
As the community grapples with the tragedy, FRSC officials are working to identify the victims and notify their families. The corps has also reiterated its commitment to preventing such horrifying incidents through intensified patrols and driver education programs.
This heart-wrenching incident serves as a grim reminder of the dangers on Nigerian roads and the importance of prioritizing safety at all times.
