***Orders Road Safety Campaign
A tragic road accident that claimed 19 lives—including five children—and left eight others injured has plunged Kogi State into mourning, drawing a swift and emotional response from Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo.
The deadly collision, which occurred in the early hours of Monday along the Lokoja-Obajana road in Lokoja Local Government Area, involved a Toyota Hummer Bus and an articulated vehicle. Authorities say the crash was caused by excessive speeding and dangerous overtaking.
Governor Ododo described the incident as a heartbreaking loss not only to the victims’ families but to the entire state, saying the scale of the tragedy defies expression.
His special adviser on media Ismaila Isah in a statement quoted him thus,
“Losing 19 lives, including innocent children, in a single incident is a tragedy for which words cannot fully express our grief. Our hearts are heavy,” the Governor said.
“Every life matters, and no journey is worth the risk of over speeding.”
The Governor commended the swift response of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and the Nigeria Police, who arrived promptly at the scene to rescue survivors and manage the aftermath. The injured are currently receiving treatment in hospitals within the state.
Offering his condolences to the bereaved families, Governor Ododo also emphasized the need for urgent action to prevent similar occurrences. He directed the Kogi State Ministry of Information and Communications to work with the FRSC to intensify public enlightenment campaigns on road safety across the state.
“This tragedy is a stark reminder of the urgent need for stricter enforcement of traffic laws and public education on the dangers of reckless driving,” he said.
The Governor further called for enhanced coordination among emergency response agencies to ensure faster and more efficient interventions in future emergencies.
As investigations continue, the state government says it remains committed to ensuring safer roads and protecting the lives of all citizens.
