The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has expressed deep sorrow over three fatal road traffic crashes that claimed 32 lives across Kogi, Ogun and Kwara states within 24 hours, renewing its call for motorists and transport operators to adhere strictly to traffic regulations.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Corps extended its condolences to the families of the victims and wished those injured a speedy recovery, describing the incidents as tragic and largely preventable.
The first crash occurred at about 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 5, along the Okene–Lokoja Road near Confluence University, Osara, in Kogi State. The accident involved a MAN truck and a Toyota Sienna commercial bus carrying 10 occupants.
According to the FRSC, seven people—six adult males and one adult female—lost their lives, while three adult males sustained injuries and were evacuated to Abobo General Hospital for treatment. Preliminary investigations attributed the crash to a tyre burst.
Hours later, at about 8:05 p.m., another fatal collision occurred at Sapade Bridge on the Ibadan–Lagos Expressway in Ogun State. The crash involved a SINOTRUK truck and a Toyota Hiace bus with 18 occupants.
The Corps said 10 persons, comprising nine adult males and one male child, died in the accident, while six others sustained injuries and were taken to Victory Hospital, Ogere. Two occupants escaped unhurt.
Initial findings indicated that excessive speeding, wrongful overtaking and dangerous driving were responsible for the crash after the truck created a hazardous situation on the highway.
In the early hours of Monday, July 6, tragedy struck again at Oko-Olowo along the Ogbomosho–Oloru Road in Kwara State when a DAF trailer conveying both passengers and goods was involved in a lone crash.
The vehicle was carrying 48 adult male occupants. Fifteen people died, 17 sustained varying degrees of injuries, while 16 others escaped unhurt.
The FRSC said preliminary investigations pointed to driver fatigue as the immediate cause of the crash, noting that the high casualty figure was aggravated by the illegal practice of transporting passengers alongside goods, commonly referred to as mixed loading.
Reacting to the incidents, Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed described the crashes as heartbreaking and avoidable, blaming the recurring loss of lives on persistent violations of road traffic regulations.
He identified speeding, wrongful overtaking, dangerous driving, poor tyre maintenance, driver fatigue and mixed loading as major contributors to fatal crashes across the country.
The Corps Marshal urged motorists, transport companies and commercial vehicle operators to prioritise safety by ensuring that only roadworthy vehicles are deployed for operations, tyres are regularly inspected and replaced when necessary, speed limits are observed, and drivers are adequately rested before embarking on long-distance journeys.
He also reiterated the Corps’ warning against conveying passengers together with goods, describing the practice as unlawful and highly dangerous.
Mohammed assured Nigerians that the FRSC would sustain aggressive enforcement against traffic offenders through intensified patrols, strategic public enlightenment campaigns and prompt emergency response operations.
He further called on all road users to recognise that road safety is a collective responsibility, stressing that strict compliance with traffic rules remains the most effective way to prevent avoidable deaths on the nation’s highways.
