Twenty people have been killed in a multiple road traffic crash along the Hawan Kibo–Jos route in Plateau State, with preliminary findings pointing to brake failure and subsequent loss of control as the likely causes.
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) said the crash occurred at about 3:32 p.m. on Friday, October 2, 2026, shortly after Sopp Water Falls.
According to the Corps, 25 people were involved in the crash, comprising 23 males and two females. Five victims—three males and two females—sustained injuries, while 20 male victims died in the incident.
Four vehicles were involved in the crash: a Howo Sino truck with registration number AGL 525 YN; a Toyota Corolla, AB 129 M; a Toyota Bummer bus operated by Yankari Express without a registration number; and a motorcycle whose registration details were unavailable.
The FRSC said the injured victims were evacuated to Ryom General Hospital and Vom Christian Hospital for medical treatment, while the remains of the deceased were deposited at the mortuary of the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH).
Rescue personnel from the Corps also cleared the crash scene and restored normal traffic flow along the affected section of the highway.
Reacting to the tragedy, FRSC Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, mni, expressed profound sadness over the loss of lives and condoled with the families, friends and associates of the deceased.
He prayed for the repose of the souls of the victims and wished those injured a speedy recovery.
Mohammed has directed the Corps’ crash investigation team to conduct a comprehensive investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident, particularly the reported brake failure and loss of control.
He also urged motorists, especially commercial and heavy-duty vehicle operators, to make roadworthiness checks, proper vehicle maintenance, speed management and responsible driving priorities.
The Corps Marshal further called on motorists to exercise greater caution, stressing that the loss of 20 lives in a single crash represents not just a statistic but 20 families suddenly plunged into grief.
He urged all road users to take personal responsibility for road safety, emphasising that no journey is important enough to justify the loss of a human life.
