The Niger State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Kumar Tsukwam has confirmed a tragic road traffic crash (RTC) that claimed the lives of 14 people and left six others injured on the Lapai-Agaie-Bida Federal Highway.
In a statement made available to newsmen, Tsukwam attributed the crash to excessive speeding, and wrongful Overtaking.The accident, which occurred at 10:59 AM on February 22, 2025, between Kusobogi and Nami, involved a Toyota Hiace bus traveling from Minna to Agaie and a DAF tanker heading from Lagos to Kaduna.
According to the FRSC report, the driver of the Toyota Hiace bus, in an attempt to overtake another vehicle at high speed, collided head-on with the oncoming tanker. The impact was fatal, resulting in the immediate deaths of 14 passengers, including five females, one male child, and eight males. Six male passengers sustained serious injuries and were rushed to the General Hospital in Lapai for emergency medical care.
FRSC personnel from RS7.27 Lapai responded within five minutes of the crash, administering first aid to the injured before evacuating them to the hospital. The bodies of the deceased were also deposited at the hospital morgue.
Recovered from the crash site was a Tecno mobile phone and ₦7,050, found on one of the deceased Fulani victims. However, other personal belongings of the victims were reportedly taken by members of the Lapai branch of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW).
In his statement, Sector Commander Kumar,Tsukwam urged road users to adhere strictly to safety regulations, avoid reckless driving, and ensure proper vehicle maintenance to prevent further tragedies.
Authorities and residents continue to express concern over the rising number of fatal accidents on this route, calling for immediate government intervention to prevent more loss of lives.
