BY Samuel Akpan
At least 15 people have been confirmed dead following crashes that occurred along the Kaduna-Abuja highway over the weekend.
In a statement on Sunday, Samuel Aruwan, commissioner for internal security and home affairs in Kaduna state, said the crashes occurred during the past three days, and blamed the crashes on over-speeding and driving against traffic.
He said seven of the victims died on Sunday when a trailer conveying grains and motorcycles to Abuja swerved off the pavement.
“Fifteen people have died on the Kaduna-Abuja road in the last 72 hours, in road traffic crashes caused by driving in the opposite direction to oncoming traffic,” he said.
“This information was presented in research feedback to the Kaduna State Government by the military and security agencies conducting security operations along the route.
“The figure was presented along with a report of the latest crash, which occurred early this morning around the Greenfield University in Chikun local government.
“The crash involved a trailer conveying grains and motorcycles to Abuja and was caused by a combination of speeding and driving against the direction of traffic. These caused the trailer to veer off the pavement and tip over on its side.
“Seven persons died in the crash, with five injured, who are now receiving treatment in hospital. Troops and security agencies helped clear the site and ensure the normal flow of traffic.
“Several other fatal accidents have occurred recently along the route, all caused by drivers switching lanes to drive against the normal flow of traffic, usually leading to head-on collisions with oncoming vehicles.
“On Saturday morning, two lives were lost in such a crash around Olam Farms. Two days before that, four persons died in another crash close to the NYSC camp. A similar crash occurred last Wednesday, January 20th 2021.”
The commissioner added that Nasir el-Rufai, governor of Kaduna, commiserated with the families of the deceased and prayed for quick recovery for those injured.
He also advised drivers to desist from dangerous practices which can impede the flow of traffic.
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