At least four people lost their lives, and eleven others were injured in a tragic motor accident on Sunday along the Lokoja-Ajaokuta road in Kogi State. The incident involved an 18-seater Toyota commercial bus and occurred in the Jimgbe Community of Ajaokuta Local Government Area, as reported by Tenimu Etuku, the Kogi State sector commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).

Etuku reported that the bus, which had an Abuja registration number ABC 232 XA, was traveling from Enugu to Abuja when the accident occurred. The driver attempted to avoid a head-on collision with an oncoming vehicle but instead collided with a stationary, faulty truck, resulting in the fatal crash.

“This accident is very unfortunate,” Etuku stated, adding that FRSC personnel on duty responded quickly, rescuing the injured passengers and transporting them to the Kogi State Specialist Hospital for treatment. The bodies of the four victims who died at the scene were taken to the hospital morgue.

The sector commander noted that the injured victims suffered varying degrees of injuries, with some in critical condition. FRSC officials emphasized that prompt intervention and adherence to safety protocols prevented the death toll from rising further.

Etuku urged all motorists to remain vigilant and aware of the driving environment, stressing that roads may appear clear but are not always safe. “There is a significant difference between a free motoring environment and a safe motoring environment. Drivers must stay alert at all times, especially on highways, to anticipate hazards and respond appropriately,” he advised.

Local authorities and traffic safety agencies are currently investigating the incident to determine its precise causes and to prevent future occurrences. The FRSC has also called on drivers to ensure proper vehicle maintenance, especially for commercial vehicles, and to strictly adhere to speed limits and traffic regulations, particularly on busy highways that connect major cities.

This accident highlights the growing concerns about road safety in Kogi State and across Nigeria, emphasizing the urgent need for better enforcement of traffic rules, improved road maintenance, and public awareness campaigns on safe driving practices.

Community members and witnesses described the scene as chaotic, with bystanders rushing to assist victims before emergency personnel arrived. Several vehicles were reportedly damaged in the collision, further intensifying the severity of the incident. FRSC officials have advised motorists traveling the Lokoja-Ajaokuta corridor to exercise caution and remain alert for potential hazards on the road.