No fewer than 12 people lost their lives, while two others were injured in a serious road accident that happened on Friday night along the Ejule–Enugu highway in Kogi State.
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) confirmed the incident on Saturday, saying the crash was caused by over-speeding.
Speaking to journalists in Lokoja, the Kogi State FRSC Sector Commander, Mr Tenimu Etuku, described the accident as tragic and unfortunate. He revealed that one of the victims was a child.
According to him, the accident occurred around 11:30 p.m. at Iboko community in Idah Local Government Area. It involved an 18-seater Toyota Hiace bus belonging to Romchi Mass Transit.
Etuku explained that the bus was travelling from Abuja to the eastern part of the country when it crashed into a broken-down articulated vehicle that was parked on the road.
“The bus rammed into a faulty articulated vehicle due to over-speeding,” he said.
FRSC officials quickly carried out rescue operations. The injured victims were taken to Mercy of Jesus Hospital in Ejule for treatment, while the bodies of the deceased were deposited in a morgue.
Etuku expressed condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and warned motorists to avoid dangerous driving, especially during the festive season.
He advised drivers to be patient, obey traffic rules, and maintain safe speeds, particularly on long-distance journeys, to help reduce road accidents and deaths.
The Ejule–Enugu road is a major highway linking the North-Central and South-East regions of Nigeria. It usually records heavy traffic during festive periods, which often increases the risk of accidents.
The FRSC has continued to warn road users against over-speeding, reckless overtaking, and driving while tired, noting that these remain major causes of fatal crashes on Nigerian roads.
