No fewer than 12 people have died, and two others were injured, in a road crash along the Ejule–Enugu highway in Kogi state.
Tenimu Etuku, sector commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Kogi, confirmed the incident to journalists in Lokoja on Saturday.
He described the crash as “fatal and very unfortunate,” noting that one of the victims was a child.
Etuku explained that the accident occurred at around 11.30 p.m. in Iboko community, Idah local government area, involving an 18-seater Toyota Hiace bus operated by Romchi Mass Transit.
The sector commander said the bus, en route from Abuja to eastern Nigeria, collided with a stationary articulated vehicle due to excessive speed.
He added that FRSC personnel who responded to the scene took the injured to Mercy of Jesus Hospital in Ejule, while the deceased were taken to the morgue.
Etuku expressed sympathy to the bereaved families and stressed the dangers of speeding and unsafe overtaking on the roads.
“At this yuletide, motorists must be careful and adhere strictly to traffic rules and regulations to avoid such accidents and 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 in this yuletide,” he added.