A tragic road accident has claimed the lives of 22 individuals and left 20 others injured following a devastating trailer crash along the Kontagora-Rijau Road in Niger State. The incident occurred late Monday evening and involved a trailer transporting both passengers and cattle.
Eyewitness reports indicate that the trailer was severely overloaded and appeared to have lost control on a bend before overturning. The victims, including women and children, were reportedly trapped under the wreckage. Emergency response teams, including officers of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and local vigilantes, arrived on scene to conduct rescue operations and evacuate the injured to nearby medical facilities.
The Niger State government expressed deep sorrow over the incident and emphasized the urgent need for stricter enforcement of vehicle loading regulations. Governor Umaru Bago extended condolences to the families of the deceased and pledged support for the injured survivors.
FRSC officials reiterated the dangers of unsafe road practices, particularly the dual use of heavy-duty vehicles for cargo and passenger transport. Authorities have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash and affirmed their commitment to preventing similar tragedies in the future.