32 killed, 26 injured in three road crashes across Kogi, Ogun, Kwara — FRSC

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The Federal Road Safety Corps has expressed grief over three separate road traffic crashes that claimed 32 lives and left 26 others injured in Kogi, Ogun and Kwara states between Sunday and Monday.

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The Corps described the crashes as tragic and largely preventable, blaming them on traffic violations including speeding, dangerous driving, driver fatigue, poor tyre maintenance and the illegal practice of conveying passengers alongside goods.

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In a statement on Monday by the Corps Public Education Officer, Deputy Corps Commander Osondu Ohaeri, the FRSC said it sympathised with the families of the victims and wished those receiving treatment a speedy recovery.

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“The Corps extends its heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and prays for the speedy recovery of those currently receiving medical treatment,” the statement read.

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According to the FRSC, the first crash occurred at about 12:30 p.m. on Sunday along the Okene-Lokoja Road before Confluence University, Osara, in Kogi State.

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The crash involved a MAN truck and a Toyota Sienna commercial bus carrying 10 occupants.

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“Seven persons comprising six male adults and one female adult lost their lives, while three male adults sustained injuries and were rescued to Abobo General Hospital,” the Corps said.

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It added that preliminary investigation identified a tyre burst as the cause of the fatal crash.

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The second crash occurred at about 8:05 p.m. on Sunday at Sapade Bridge along the Ibadan-Lagos Expressway in Ogun State.

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The FRSC said the crash involved a SINOTRUK truck and a Toyota Hiace bus with 18 occupants.

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The statement continued, “Ten persons comprising nine male adults and one male child died, while six persons made up of four male adults and two female adults sustained injuries and were rescued to Victory Hospital, Ogere. Two male adults came out unhurt.”

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The Corps attributed the crash to “speeding, wrongful overtaking and dangerous driving after the truck created a hazardous situation on the highway.”

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The third crash occurred in the early hours of Monday at Oko-Olowo along the Ogbomosho-Oloru Road in Kwara State.

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The lone crash involved a DAF trailer conveying passengers and goods.

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The FRSC said 48 male adults were involved in the crash, with 15 persons losing their lives, 17 sustaining injuries and 16 escaping unhurt.

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It noted that while driver fatigue was identified as the immediate cause of the crash, the high death toll was aggravated by the illegal practice of transporting passengers together with goods.

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Reacting to the incidents, the Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, described the crashes as “heartbreaking and entirely preventable.”

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He said, “The recurring violations of established traffic regulations, particularly speeding, wrongful overtaking, dangerous driving, poor tyre maintenance, driver fatigue and mixed loading, continue to undermine national efforts to improve road safety.”

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Mohammed urged motorists, transport companies and commercial vehicle operators to prioritise safety by ensuring only roadworthy vehicles ply the highways.

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He said, “Only roadworthy vehicles should be put on the highway, tyres must be routinely inspected and replaced when necessary, speed limits must be obeyed, adequate rest should be taken before embarking on journeys, and under no circumstances should passengers be transported together with goods.”

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The Corps Marshal also warned that the FRSC would sustain aggressive enforcement against all traffic violations that endanger lives.

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While reaffirming the Corps’ commitment to safer roads through sustained enforcement, public education and prompt emergency response, Mohammed called on Nigerians to play their part in reducing road crashes.

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“Road safety is a shared responsibility,” he said.

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