By our Reporter
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has expressed deep sorrow over three fatal road crashes that claimed 32 lives and left 26 others injured in Kogi, Ogun and Kwara between Sunday and Monday.
In a statement issued by the Corps Public Education Officer, Deputy Corps Commander Osondu Ohaeri, the FRSC extended its condolences to the families of the victims and wished those injured a speedy recovery.
According to the Corps, the first crash occurred at about 12:30 p.m. on Sunday along the Okene–Lokoja Road near Confluence University, Osara, in Kogi State.
The accident involved a MAN truck and a Toyota Sienna commercial bus carrying 10 occupants. Seven people—six men and one woman—lost their lives, while three male passengers sustained injuries and were taken to Abobo General Hospital for treatment.
Preliminary investigations identified a tyre burst as the cause of the crash.
Later the same day, at about 8:05 p.m., another fatal crash occurred at Sapade Bridge along the Ibadan–Lagos Expressway in Ogun State.
The accident involved a SINOTRUK truck and a Toyota Hiace bus with 18 occupants.
Ten persons, comprising nine men and one male child, died in the crash, while six others sustained injuries and were rescued to Victory Hospital, Ogere. Two occupants escaped unhurt.
The FRSC attributed the crash to speeding, wrongful overtaking and dangerous driving after the truck created a hazardous situation on the highway.
Tragedy struck again in the early hours of Monday at Oko-Olowo along the Ogbomosho–Oloru Road in Kwara State when a DAF trailer conveying passengers and goods crashed.
The lone accident involved 48 male adults, leaving 15 people dead, 17 injured and 16 others rescued without injuries.
According to the Corps, preliminary findings indicate that driver fatigue caused the crash, while the high death toll was worsened by the illegal practice of transporting passengers alongside goods.
Reacting to the incidents, the Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, described the crashes as tragic and avoidable.
He blamed the recurring crashes on persistent violations of traffic regulations, including speeding, wrongful overtaking, dangerous driving, poor tyre maintenance, driver fatigue and mixed loading.
The Corps Marshal urged motorists, transport companies and commercial vehicle operators to prioritise safety by ensuring that only roadworthy vehicles are driven on Nigerian roads, tyres are properly maintained, speed limits are obeyed and drivers are adequately rested before embarking on journeys.
He also warned against the dangerous practice of transporting passengers together with goods, stressing that the FRSC would sustain aggressive enforcement against all traffic violations that endanger lives.
Mohammed reaffirmed the Corps’ commitment to improving road safety through sustained enforcement, public education and prompt emergency response, while urging all road users to recognise that road safety remains a shared responsibility.
