No fewer than 12 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, which occurred around 11:30 p.m. on Friday, involved an 18-seater Toyota Hiace bus belonging to Romchi Mass Transit at Iboko community in Idah Local Government Area.
The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) confirmed the incident, noting that the bus was travelling from Abuja to the eastern part of the country when the accident happened.
Speaking on Saturday in Lokoja, the FRSC Sector Commander in Kogi State, Tenimu Etuku, said overspeeding was responsible for the fatal 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,” he said.
Etuku disclosed that FRSC personnel who responded to the incident carried out rescue operations and evacuated the victims.
According to him, the injured passengers were taken to the Mercy of Jesus Hospital, Ejule, for medical attention, while the remains of the deceased were deposited in the morgue.
The sector commander expressed condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and warned motorists against dangerous driving habits.
“At this yuletide, motorists must be careful and adhere strictly to traffic rules and regulations to avoid such accidents and wastage of precious lives,” Etuku 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 further urged drivers to exercise patience and maintain safe driving practices, particularly during long-distance journeys associated with the festive season.
“I hereby urge drivers to exercise patience and maintain safe driving practices, especially during long-distance journeys during this yuletide,” he added.
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