Katcha Local Government Area in Niger State has been plunged into mourning following the tragic death of its chairman, Hon. Danlami Abdullahi Saku, in a fatal car accident on the Minna-Suleja Road. The accident occurred on Tuesday evening at Kwakuti village, a notorious spot on the deteriorating highway.
Hon. Saku was traveling from Minna, the state capital, to Abuja when his vehicle, a newly allocated jeep, collided with a trailer around 7:00 p.m.
Reports indicate that while his body was being transported to a nearby hospital, the rescue vehicle was involved in another accident, leaving four good Samaritans injured.
The Chief Press Secretary to Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, Bologi Ibrahim, confirmed the incident in a statement late Tuesday. Governor Bago expressed profound grief over the loss, describing the news as “heartbreaking.”
“This is a reminder of the transient nature of life. All creatures are from Allah, and unto Him, we shall return at the appointed time,” the governor remarked.
He extended condolences to the late chairman’s family, the people of Katcha Local Government Area, and the entire state, urging everyone to remain steadfast in faith and to accept Allah’s will.
The deplorable condition of the Minna-Suleja Road, where the accident occurred, has been a subject of ongoing concern. Governor Bago recently called for the revocation of the contract for the road’s reconstruction, which had been awarded to Salin Nigeria Construction Company in 2010. The 83-kilometer highway, a vital link between Minna and Abuja, has become a death trap due to its disrepair, causing frequent accidents and loss of lives.
Hon. Saku’s death is a significant loss for Katcha Local Government and Niger State as a whole. Residents and colleagues have described him as a dedicated leader whose contributions to his community will not be forgotten.
The late chairman’s passing is a stark reminder of the urgent need for infrastructural improvements to safeguard lives and ensure the safety of travelers across the state.
