Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has mourned the death of 19 persons—including five children—in a ghastly motor accident that occurred on the Lokoja-Obajana road in the early hours of Monday.
The tragedy, which also left eight people critically injured, involved a Toyota Hummer Bus and an articulated vehicle. Governor Ododo, in a statement on Monday, described the incident as a harrowing loss to the entire state.
According to the governor, the accident was caused by over speeding and wrongful overtaking. He stressed the need for stricter enforcement of traffic laws and a renewed culture of discipline among road users.
“Losing 19 lives, including innocent children, in one accident is a tragedy for which words cannot fully express our grief. Our hearts are heavy. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families affected, and we must take urgent steps to prevent such sorrowful occurrences. Every life matters, and no journey is worth the risk of over speeding,” Governor Ododo said.
He praised the prompt intervention of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and the Nigeria Police in evacuating victims and rescuing survivors, while praying for the speedy recovery of those currently receiving treatment in hospitals.
The governor also directed the state Ministry of Information and Communications to partner with the FRSC on intensified road safety awareness campaigns across the state, and called for stronger coordination among emergency response agencies.
Discover more from Rootedscope Media
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
