Lokoja, Kogi State – A devastating road accident in Lokoja has resulted in the loss of six lives and left 60 others injured, highlighting ongoing concerns over road safety in Nigeria.
The incident occurred on Tuesday at around 3:00 p.m. near the ‘Zone 8’ Roundabout along Hassan Katsina Road in Lokoja. According to eyewitnesses, an articulated truck lost control and plowed into other vehicles and pedestrians, leading to the high casualty toll.
The Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Kogi State, Mr. Samuel Oyedeji, confirmed the incident on Wednesday.
He stated, “An articulated truck travelling from Bauchi to Enugu State lost control, resulting in a catastrophic crash. Six people lost their lives on the spot, and 60 others sustained varying degrees of injuries.”
Emergency response teams, including personnel from the FRSC, swiftly arrived at the scene to provide medical assistance and clear the wreckage.
The injured were promptly transported to the Federal University Teaching Hospital in Lokoja for urgent treatment, while the remains of the deceased were deposited at the hospital’s mortuary.
Eyewitnesses recounted the terrifying moments leading up to the accident. “The truck was coming at high speed when it suddenly lost control. It rammed into smaller vehicles and pedestrians along the road. People were screaming and running for safety,” said Ibrahim Sani, a local trader who witnessed the crash.
Preliminary investigations suggest that brake failure may have been a contributing factor. However, authorities have launched a full-scale investigation to determine the precise cause of the accident.
Lokoja, a key transit hub connecting northern and southern Nigeria, has witnessed several road accidents in recent years, often attributed to reckless driving, mechanical failures, and poor road conditions.
The ‘Zone 8’ Roundabout, where the accident occurred, is known for heavy vehicular traffic and has been a frequent site of collisions.
In response to the incident, road safety advocates and local authorities have reiterated calls for stricter enforcement of traffic regulations and improved road infrastructure.
“We must prioritize road safety through enhanced vehicle inspections, better road maintenance, and stricter penalties for reckless driving,” said road safety campaigner, Mrs. Amina Abdullahi.
The FRSC has urged motorists to adhere to speed limits and ensure their vehicles are in good condition before embarking on long journeys.
“We advise drivers, especially those operating heavy-duty trucks, to always check their brakes and other mechanical systems to prevent such unfortunate accidents,” Oyedeji emphasized.
The tragic crash has left families grieving and raised fresh concerns over the safety of Nigeria’s highways. As investigations continue, the government and stakeholders are under pressure to implement stronger measures to prevent similar disasters in the future.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
