No fewer than twelve people lost their lives while two others sustained injuries in a late-night road accident along the Ejule–Enugu highway in Kogi State.
The crash occurred around 11:30 pm on Friday at Iboko community in Idah Local Government Area and involved an 18-seater Toyota Hiace bus belonging to Romchi Mass Transit.
The Federal Road Safety Commission confirmed the incident, saying the bus was travelling from Abuja to the eastern part of the country when the accident happened.
Speaking to journalists on Saturday in Lokoja, the Kogi State Sector Commander of FRSC, Tenimu Etuku, said excessive speeding was the major cause of the crash.
“The bus was travelling from Abuja to the Eastern part of the country but rammed into a stationary faulty articulated vehicle due to overspeeding,” Etuku said.
He disclosed that FRSC operatives carried out rescue operations at the scene, adding that the injured passengers were taken to Mercy of Jesus Hospital in Ejule for treatment.
According to him, the bodies of those who died in the accident were deposited in a morgue.
Etuku expressed sympathy with the families of the victims and cautioned motorists against reckless driving, especially during the festive season.
“At this yuletide, motorists must be careful and adhere strictly to traffic rules and regulations to avoid such accidents and wastage of precious lives,” he said.
“I believe this is one way to help the FRSC and the Federal Government reduce the alarming rate of road traffic crashes and fatalities in the country,” he added.
The sector commander also urged drivers to exercise patience and maintain safe driving habits, particularly during long-distance trips common during the festive period.
