Seven people have been confirmed dead and seven others injured following a fatal road crash involving a Mazda car and a Toyota Sienna along the Bida-Kutigi-Mokwa Road in Niger State.
The accident occurred in the early hours of Sunday between Lanle and Shaba Woro communities along the highway.
The latest casualty figure was confirmed by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), correcting an earlier report that had put the death toll at nine based on eyewitness accounts from the scene.
Niger State Sector Commander of the FRSC, Corps Commander Aishat Sa’adu, said a total of 18 people were involved in the crash.
According to her, the Mazda was travelling from Minna towards Mokwa, while the Toyota Sienna was coming from Lagos towards Minna when the vehicles collided.
Sa’adu said seven people died in the accident, while another seven sustained injuries. Four others escaped without injuries.
The injured victims were evacuated to the General Hospital, Kutigi, where they were taken for medical treatment.
The bodies of those who died were subsequently deposited at the mortuary.
Wrongful Overtaking Blamed
The FRSC attributed the crash primarily to wrongful overtaking and loss of control by the Mazda driver.
Sa’adu explained that the Mazda was reportedly attempting to overtake another vehicle when the driver lost control and collided with the oncoming Toyota Sienna.
The impact caused extensive damage to both vehicles, with some passengers becoming trapped inside the wreckage.
FRSC personnel were deployed to the scene to conduct rescue operations and evacuate the victims.
FRSC Warns Motorists
Following the crash, Sa’adu urged motorists using the Bida-Kutigi-Mokwa Road and other major highways to exercise greater caution, particularly when overtaking.
She warned drivers against making dangerous overtaking manoeuvres, especially around bends and sections of the road where visibility is limited.
The FRSC commander also advised motorists to maintain proper control of their vehicles and avoid excessive speed.
She further urged drivers embarking on long-distance journeys to get adequate rest to prevent fatigue, which can impair concentration and increase the risk of accidents.
The incident has once again raised concerns over road safety and the dangers of reckless overtaking on Nigeria’s highways.
