No fewer than 32 people have been killed in three separate road crashes that occurred within hours in Kogi, Ogun and Kwara states, prompting the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to renew its appeal for responsible driving and strict adherence to traffic regulations.
The FRSC disclosed the incidents in a statement issued on Monday by its Corps Public Education Officer, Osondu Ohaeri, describing the crashes as tragic and extending condolences to the bereaved families, while wishing those injured a speedy recovery.
According to the statement, the first accident occurred at approximately 12:30 p.m. on Sunday along the Okene–Lokoja Road, near Confluence University in Osara, Kogi State.
The crash involved a MAN truck and a Toyota Sienna commercial bus, resulting in the deaths of seven people, comprising six adult men and one adult woman. Three other adult men sustained injuries and were taken to Abobo General Hospital for treatment.
Preliminary investigations identified a tyre burst as the cause of the collision.
Later the same day, at about 8:05 p.m., another fatal accident occurred at Sapade Bridge on the Ibadan–Lagos Expressway in Ogun State.
The collision involved a SINOTRUK truck and a Toyota Hiace bus, claiming the lives of 10 people, including nine adult men and one male child.
Six other victims sustained injuries and were evacuated to Victory Hospital, Ogere, while two occupants escaped unhurt.
According to the FRSC, preliminary findings indicate that speeding, wrongful overtaking and dangerous driving were responsible for the crash.
The deadliest of the three accidents occurred in the early hours of Monday at Oko-Olowo along the Ogbomosho–Oloru Road in Kwara State.
The lone crash involved a DAF trailer conveying both passengers and goods.
The vehicle was carrying 48 adult male passengers, of whom 15 lost their lives, 17 sustained injuries, while 16 escaped without injury.
The FRSC attributed the accident to driver fatigue, noting that the high death toll was exacerbated by the illegal practice of mixed loading, whereby passengers were transported alongside goods.
Reacting to the series of fatal crashes, the Corps Marshal of the FRSC, Shehu Mohammed, described the incidents as both heartbreaking and avoidable.
He attributed the recurring loss of lives on Nigerian roads to persistent traffic violations, including speeding, dangerous driving, poor tyre maintenance, driver fatigue and the unlawful conveyance of passengers with goods.
Mohammed urged motorists and transport operators to ensure that only roadworthy vehicles are put into service, comply with prescribed speed limits, conduct regular tyre inspections, avoid driving while fatigued and desist from transporting passengers alongside cargo.
He reaffirmed the FRSC’s commitment to sustained traffic law enforcement, public enlightenment campaigns and prompt emergency response, stressing that ensuring road safety remains a collective responsibility.
The latest tragedies once again highlight growing concerns over road safety in Nigeria, as authorities continue to intensify efforts to reduce crashes through stricter enforcement of traffic regulations and increased public awareness.
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