The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has confirmed that 19 passengers lost their lives in a fatal crash along the Lokoja-Obajana expressway on Sunday.
In a statement released Monday, FRSC spokesperson Olusegun Ogungbemide said eight other individuals sustained varying degrees of injuries.
According to Ogungbemide, the accident occurred around 6:10 PM and involved a Sino Truck and a Toyota Hiace bus carrying 27 passengers, including 22 adults and five children.
“The Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps, Shehu Mohammed, has expressed profound sadness and commiserated with the families of victims of the tragic road crash that occurred in Gadabiu on the Obajana-Lokoja expressway lamenting the avoidable loss of lives,” the statement reads.
The FRSC noted that preliminary investigations revealed the crash was caused by speed violation and wrongful overtaking.
“In view of the imperatives of further reducing speed-related crashes on the nation’s highways, the corps marshal directed all sector commanders to intensify efforts by engaging in aggressive public education and raising the bar of ongoing enforcement on compulsory installation of speed limit devices in commercial vehicles.
“He emphasised that the corps will no longer tolerate reckless driving and will take drastic measures against speed violators.
“To prevent future tragedies, the corps marshal has further directed the deployment of enhanced enforcement strategies, including increased surveillance and patrols on high-risk routes.”
The FRSC also stated that the bodies of the deceased had been taken to a mosque for burial in accordance with Islamic rites.
Ogungbemide urged motorists and other road users to prioritize safety and comply with traffic rules and regulations.
