The truck overturned or crashed due to the deplorable condition of the road, particularly along the Lambata-Bida axis—a stretch known for its poor maintenance and ongoing reconstruction delays.
At least seven individuals have been confirmed dead and 16 others sustained varying degrees of injuries following a tragic road accident that occurred in the early hours of Sunday, May 18, along the Agaie-Badeggi road in the Katcha Local Government Area of Niger State.
The ill-fated truck, reportedly transporting grains belonging to the federal government, was also carrying 36 male passengers. It was traveling from Lagos to Kano when it met with disaster at Essa community at approximately 3 a.m.
According to initial reports, the truck overturned or crashed due to the deplorable condition of the road, particularly along the Lambata-Bida axis—a stretch known for its poor maintenance and ongoing reconstruction delays.
The Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) confirmed that the accident was primarily caused by the deteriorated portions of the road, which have posed significant risks to motorists over time.
Despite repeated concerns from residents and travelers, the affected route remains in a state of disrepair, contributing to yet another fatal incident.
Of the 16 individuals injured in the accident, 11 suffered severe injuries, including broken limbs, head trauma, and deep lacerations. Five others sustained less critical wounds but still required medical attention.
Emergency responders and good Samaritans on the scene acted swiftly, transporting the wounded to nearby health facilities. Several victims were taken to health centers in Badeggi and Agaie, while others received assistance from fellow travelers and locals who arrived shortly after the crash.
Tragically, most of the deceased were claimed from the scene by grieving relatives, making immediate postmortem documentation and identification more challenging for authorities. Nonetheless, efforts were made to ensure proper record-keeping and assistance for the families affected.
Search and rescue operations were conducted by NSEMA personnel, who worked in coordination with local villagers and passersby to manage the chaotic aftermath. Their swift intervention helped in retrieving survivors from the wreckage and facilitating the movement of victims to safer locations.
This latest incident has reignited calls for urgent government intervention in addressing the hazardous conditions of major roadways across the state, particularly the Lambata-Bida axis, which has seen multiple accidents in recent months.
Residents and travelers alike are urging the federal and state governments to expedite road rehabilitation projects and improve safety measures to prevent further loss of life.
As investigations continue into the full circumstances surrounding the crash, the public is reminded to exercise caution when navigating known hazardous routes and to report dangerous road conditions to the relevant authorities.