A fatal accident involving a truck carrying passengers and a herd of cattle have killed at least eighteen persons, injuring many others.
The spokesman of the Kebbi State Police Command Nafiu Abubakar, who confirmed the accident late Monday, said it occurred at the Malisa junction of Gwandu Local Government Area of the North-West state.
In statement, he explained that the Sunday accident involved a yet-to-be-identified driver of a truck with Reg. No. SRP 442 XA, Niger State, conveying passengers and cows from the Illela council area to Lagos.
According to a statement by the spokesman of the command, SP Nafiu Abubakar, “On January 15, 2023, at around 11. am, there was a fatal motor vehicle accident at Malisa village, Gwandu LGA, along Aliero/Sokoto road. The accident occurred when the yet-to-be-identified driver of a truck with Reg. No. SRP 442 XA, Niger State, conveying passengers and cows from Illela LGA of Sokoto State, heading to Lagos State.
“On reaching Malisa junction, the driver lost control of the truck and it fell down. As a result, forty-two passengers sustained various degrees of injuries.
“On receipt of the report, the Commissioner of Police, Kebbi State Command, CP Ahmed Magaji Kontagora instantly rushed to the scene, evacuated the victims to General hospital Gwandu, for treatment, where a medical Doctor confirmed Eighteen dead, while the remaining victims are currently responding to treatment. Similarly, sixteen cows also died as a result of the accident.
“CP Ahmed Magaji Kontagora also prayed for the souls of the departed to have eternal rest and may their immediate families have the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
“The CP however calls on the NURTW, NARTO and other road users to always ensure they emplace adequate safety measures in their vehicles and be conscious while driving, with a view to preventing future reoccurrence.
“They are therefore advised to observe the speed limit, avoid overloading, recklessness and be more careful while driving.”
Ifunanya Ikueze is an Engineer, Safety Professional, Writer, Investor, Entrepreneur and Educator.
