By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has confirmed that 12 people were killed and two others injured in a fatal road crash that occurred on Friday night along the Ejule–Enugu highway in Kogi State.The Kogi State Sector Commander of the FRSC, Mr. Tenimu Etuku, disclosed the incident while speaking with journalists in Lokoja on Saturday. He described the accident as “fatal and very unfortunate,” noting that one child was among the deceased.According to Etuku, the crash happened at about 11:30 p.m. in Iboko community, located in Idah Local Government Area. It involved an 18-seater Toyota Hiace bus operated by Romchi Mass Transit.The bus was reportedly travelling from Abuja to the eastern part of Nigeria when it rammed into a parked articulated vehicle that had developed a fault on the highway. Preliminary investigations by the FRSC attributed the crash to excessive speed.“The bus ran into a stationary truck due to over-speeding,” Etuku said, adding that the impact led to multiple fatalities at the scene.
He explained that FRSC rescue operatives were immediately deployed to the area following the report of the crash. The injured victims were rescued and taken to the Mercy of Jesus Hospital, Ejule, where they are currently receiving medical treatment.The bodies of the deceased victims, Etuku said, were deposited at a nearby morgue pending identification and burial arrangements by their families.
The FRSC commander expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and sympathized with them over the tragic loss. He emphasized that many road traffic crashes recorded across the country are avoidable if motorists adhere strictly to traffic regulations. Etuku warned against over-speeding and reckless driving, especially during the festive season when vehicular movement is usually high. He noted that such practices remain major contributors to fatal crashes on Nigerian highways.“As we approach the yuletide, motorists must be extra cautious and comply with traffic rules and regulations to prevent unnecessary loss of lives,” he said.He added that responsible driving would significantly support the efforts of the FRSC and the Federal Government in reducing the rising rate of road traffic accidents and fatalities nationwide.
The sector commander further urged drivers embarking on long-distance journeys to exercise patience, maintain safe speeds, and ensure their vehicles are roadworthy before travelling.“Drivers should avoid rushing, especially at night, and must ensure that their vehicles are in good condition. Safe driving saves lives,” Etuku advised.The FRSC has continued to intensify patrols and public awareness campaigns across major highways in Kogi State as part of measures to enhance road safety during the festive period.
