FRSC cautions motorists as 12 die in Kogi–Enugu highway auto crash

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has confirmed the death of 12 persons, including a child, in an auto crash that occurred on Friday along the Ejule–Enugu highway in Kogi state.

Tenimu Etuku, FRSC sector commander in Kogi, disclosed this on Saturday while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lokoja, the state capital.

Etuku described the incident as “fatal and very unfortunate”, adding that two other passengers sustained injuries.

According to him, the crash occurred at about 11:30 pm in Iboko community, Idah local government area, and involved an 18-seater Toyota Hiace bus belonging to Romchi Mass Transit.

“The ill-fated bus was travelling from Abuja to the eastern part of the country but rammed into a parked, faulty articulated vehicle due to overspeeding,” he said.

Etuku said FRSC personnel carried out a rescue operation and rushed the injured victims to Mercy of Jesus Hospital, Ejule, for medical attention, while the bodies of the deceased were deposited in a morgue.

He expressed condolences to the families of the victims and reiterated the dangers of excessive speed and reckless overtaking.

“At this yuletide, motorists must be careful and adhere strictly to traffic rules and regulations to avoid such accidents and wastage of precious lives,” Etuku said.

“I believe this is one way to help the FRSC and the federal government reduce the alarming rate of road traffic crashes and fatalities in the country.

“I hereby urge drivers to exercise patience and maintain safe driving practices, especially during long-distance journeys in this yuletide.”