12 die as bus crashes into broken-down truck on Kogi highway

No fewer than 12 people lost their lives and two others were injured in a fatal road crash that occurred late Friday night along the Ejule–Enugu highway in Kogi State.

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) confirmed the incident on Saturday, attributing the accident to overspeeding.

Speaking with journalists in Lokoja, the Kogi State Sector Commander of the FRSC, Mr Tenimu Etuku, described the crash as “fatal and very unfortunate,” noting that one of the deceased was a child.

Etuku said the accident occurred at about 11:30 p.m. at Iboko community in Idah Local Government Area and involved an 18-seater Toyota Hiace bus operated by Romchi Mass Transit.

According to him, the bus was travelling from Abuja to the eastern part of the country when it collided with a stationary articulated vehicle that had broken down on the highway.

“The ill-fated bus was travelling from Abuja to the eastern part of the country when it rammed into a parked, faulty articulated vehicle due to over-speeding,” Etuku said.

He added that personnel of the FRSC immediately carried out rescue operations, during which the injured victims were taken to Mercy of Jesus Hospital, Ejule, for medical attention, while the bodies of those who died were deposited in a morgue.

Etuku expressed sympathy with the families of the victims and cautioned motorists against unsafe driving practices, especially during the festive season.

“In the yuletide, motorists must be careful and adhere strictly to traffic rules and regulations to avoid such accidents and the wastage of precious lives. 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.

“I hereby urge drivers to exercise patience and maintain safe driving practices, especially during long-distance journeys this yuletide,” he advised.

The Ejule–Enugu road, a major federal highway linking parts of the North-Central and South-East regions of the country, is known for heavy vehicular movement, particularly during festive periods, which often heightens the risk of road accidents.

The FRSC has repeatedly warned road users against excessive speed, reckless overtaking and driving while fatigued, stressing that these behaviours remain among the leading causes of fatal crashes on Nigerian highways.