Auto Accident Claims 17 Lives in Niger

Laleye Dipo in Minna

Not less than 17 persons have been confirmed killed in an auto accident that occurred at Takalafia village along the Yawuri Expressway, in Magama Local Government Area of Niger State on Tuesday’s afternoon.

Twelve others who were in the vehicle sustained varying degrees of injuries.

An eyewitness said that the lone accident involved an articulated vehicle, which was said to be on top speed resulting in the driver losing control of the vehicle.

As a result the vehicle overturned killing most of the passengers and injuring the others.

The eyewitness said that the remains of the dead have been deposited at the Kontagora General Hospital’s morgue while those injured are also being given medical attention at the same hospital.

The FRSC Public Education Officer, Bisi Kazeem, confirmed the accident.

Meanwhile the Niger State Governor, Mr.  Mohammed Umaru Bago, has expressed shock over the accident describing it as very shocking and unfortunate.

The governor in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, decried the insensitivity of some drivers especially those who violate established traffic rules and end up causing sorrows to people and their loved ones.

 Bago cautioned drivers, particularly trailers and other haulage vehicles, to desist from conveying passengers in their vehicles as it poses serious dangers to the lives of the passengers and other road users.

He said that his administration would work closely with relevant government authorities both at the local, state and federal levels to ensure that stringent penalties are meted out to traffic rule violators.

While commiserating with the families of those who died in the crash, the governor prayed to Allah to forgive their shortcomings and grant them Aljannah Firdausi as well as grant quick recovery to those who were injured