Lucky Obukohwo ReportingÂ
Seventeen persons have been killed while others sustained vary degree of injuries in an accident that happened at Takalafi village, along Yawuri highway in Magama Local Government Area of Niger State.
The accident happened at about 3pm on Tuesday. According to an witness account, the crash involved a trailer carrying traders to the southern part of the country.
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has commiserated with the people and government of Niger State over the ghastly auto-crash, which killed several people. His Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Chief Ajuri Ngelale, in a statement, said President Tinubu sympathized with the families of those who died in the accident and prayed for the repose of their souls.
The president, who described the incident as a harrowing tragedy, directed the agency responsible for emergency response to immediately intervene in alleviating the challenges of the victims. He directed that those injured in the tragic accident get the necessary treatment at the highest quality and with alacrity. Tinubu implored citizens to be vigilant and safety conscious while traveling during this festive season and always.
Also, Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umar Bago, has sympathized with victims of the road mishap, describing it as sad and unfortunate.
The governor, in a statement by the Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, said the accident, which occurred as a result of over speeding, was an avoidable one. He expressed regret over the insensitivity of some drivers, especially those who violate the established traffic rules and end up causing sorrow and pain to people and their loved ones.
Confirming the accident, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Public Education Officer, Bisi Kazeem, in a statement issued in Abuja, attributed the accident to over speeding.
He said that the accident involved 29 people, comprising 20 male adults, four female adults, and five male children.
Kazeem said the injured victims have been evacuated to Kontagora General Hospital in Niger State for immediate medical attention, pointing out that the dead bodies have also been deposited at the mortuary at the same hospital.