A tragic road accident in Kaduna State has claimed the lives of at least 40 Muslim worshippers who were travelling to celebrate Eid-el-Maulud, marking the birth of Prophet Muhammad. The incident occurred on September 15, 2024, near the town of Lere, when an overcrowded bus collided with an oncoming truck.
Details of the Incident
The ill-fated bus departed from Kwandare and was en route to Saminaka for the Eid celebrations. According to Ahmad Dayyabu, an organiser of the event, the bus was carrying 71 passengers, significantly exceeding its capacity. Eyewitness accounts indicate that the bus lost control before crashing into a trailer truck, resulting in a chaotic scene.
Initial reports from the Kaduna State Emergency Management Agency (KASEMA) confirmed that 36 people died at the scene, but Dayyabu later reported that the death toll had risen to 40, with 31 others receiving medical treatment for various injuries in local hospitals.
Official Responses
The Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Kaduna State, Kabiru Nadabo, expressed condolences to the families of the victims and emphasised the need for improved road safety measures. He noted that road accidents are a common occurrence in Nigeria, often exacerbated by overcrowding and speeding.
“This tragic incident serves as a reminder of the dangers associated with reckless driving and overloading,” Nadabo stated. “We urge all drivers to adhere strictly to safety protocols to prevent such avoidable tragedies.”
Road Safety Concerns
The accident highlights a broader issue of road safety in Nigeria, where inadequate enforcement of traffic regulations frequently leads to fatal incidents. Official statistics reveal that over 1,470 people died in road accidents across Nigeria during the first quarter of 2024, averaging about 16 deaths per day.
As families mourn their loved ones, there is a collective call for greater accountability and adherence to traffic regulations to prevent future tragedies. The Eid-el-Maulud celebration, intended as a time of joy and reflection, has been overshadowed by this devastating loss, reminding all Nigerians of the fragility of life on their roads.
By Joseph Johnston
Youth Editor,
Egogonews Hub
