By Onoja Baba, Lokoja, Nigeria
Tragedy struck on Tuesday in Lokoja, the Kogi State capital, as a road crash claimed six lives and left 60 others injured.
The accident occurred at approximately 3:00 p.m. near the Zone 8 Roundabout along the Hassan Katsina Road.
According to the Kogi State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Samuel Oyedeji, the accident involved an articulated truck traveling from Bauchi to Enugu State.
The truck reportedly lost control and caused the devastating crash.
“The remains of the six deceased victims have been deposited at the Federal University Teaching Hospital mortuary,” Oyedeji said.
He added that the FRSC is investigating the incident to determine the exact cause of the crash.
Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, with rescue teams working tirelessly to extricate trapped victims and clear the wreckage.
“It was a horrific sight. People were screaming for help, and it took hours to bring the situation under control,” one resident said.
This latest incident has reignited calls for improved road safety measures. Oyedeji urged drivers to exercise greater caution, particularly when operating heavy-duty vehicles.
He also called on the government to prioritize infrastructure repairs and enforce stricter traffic regulations to prevent future tragedies.
The accident comes amid growing concerns over frequent crashes in Kogi State, which has seen multiple fatalities in recent months.
On April 1, 2024, a similar tragedy was reported by PUNCH Online, where 13 lives were lost and two others injured in a crash involving a commercial Sharon bus and a cement truck at Obajana Market along the Obajana-Lokoja Road.
In that incident, the Sharon bus had parked behind a truck for passengers to make purchases when the cement truck, reportedly experiencing brake failure, rammed into the parked vehicles.
Road safety advocates have urged immediate action to address the recurring issues, calling for proper maintenance of vehicles, better driver training, and investments in road infrastructure.
As investigations continue into Tuesday’s crash, Oyedeji emphasised the shared responsibility of all Nigerians in ensuring safer roads, stating, “Together, we can prevent these avoidable tragedies.”
Authorities have appealed to residents to exercise patience as efforts are made to ensure safer roadways in Kogi State.
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