Road accident

By Tajuddeen Ahmad Tijjani

Last year, the Kano-Maiduguri Road suffered severe damage from flooding. The disaster caused immense hardship for ordinary citizens, displaced several communities along the route, and inflicted economic losses in hundreds of millions of naira. It also disrupted access to Maiduguri from key states such as Abuja, Kano, Jigawa, and Yobe, effectively cutting off the northeast from the rest of the country.

It will be recalled that on 15th August 2024, a Federal Government delegation led by the Honourable Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi and the Governor of Bauchi State visited the affected site. They assessed the extent of the damage and promised urgent intervention, recognising the road’s economic significance not just for the northeast, but for the country as a whole. Unfortunately, to the dismay of the affected communities, no tangible action has been taken since that visit, only temporary fixes that have had little to no impact.

Residents are now growing concerned that if urgent intervention is not undertaken before the rains intensify, the road could suffer even more extensive damage than last year. This poses a serious threat to lives and property, as was previously experienced.

The rehabilitation of the Kano-Maiduguri Road is not merely about filling potholes or patching the surface – it is a vital aspect of regional and national development. The benefits of well-maintained roads are immense: improved safety and reduced accidents, enhanced economic activities, better quality of life, strengthened social integration, and even environmental advantages.

Beyond the infrastructural failure, there are concerns about the federal government’s perceived neglect of certain regions. This is especially disheartening considering that this region gave the current administration some of its highest votes. 

As an optimist and a believer in equitable governance, I hold firmly that all six geopolitical zones of Nigeria deserve equal attention and investment. Every part of this country matters. Mr. President must lead with sincerity of purpose and see all Nigerians as his constituency.

It is worth noting that during his visit, the Minister of Works acknowledged this imbalance, stating: “Let me make it clear that the shortfall in road distribution was not the doing of President Tinubu, nor mine. However, the President is addressing it. That is why the fourth legacy project has been initiated, stretching from Akwanga to Jos to Bauchi State. We are pleased that work is progressing significantly on major portions of the road in Bauchi State.”

The Minister further pledged that the President is determined to provide adequate funding for legacy projects through various intervention mechanisms. We hope that the government will act swiftly and treat this as a matter of national urgency by repairing the damaged sections of the Kano-Maiduguri Road, particularly within the Jama’are and Azare-Potiskum axes.

As an engineer, the Minister of Works should set a precedent prioritising action over rhetoric. When entrusted with responsibility, those in positions of power must demonstrate competence and a genuine commitment to service.

This is a humble but firm appeal to the federal government to urgently address the long-standing issue of the Kano-Maiduguri Road, which has been in disrepair since last year’s devastating floods.

Tajuddeen Ahmad Tijjani writes from Azare, Bauchi State.

By Firdausi Abubakar

On Friday, May 10th, 2025, Abuja witnessed a tragic accident involving a fire truck and a car carrying four young boys. The scene was devastating, bodies sprawled, metal crushed, and flames smouldering. But even more disturbing was the crowd that quickly gathered, not with medical kits or a sense of urgency to save the lives of the victims, but with phones raised, recording, streaming, and snapping pictures. “Live on the scene”, some captioned, while actual lives slipped away.

This isn’t just an Abuja problem. It’s a moral crisis growing across Nigeria. From Lagos to Kano, Enugu to Port Harcourt, and others, a familiar sight follows whenever an accident or violent incident occurs: dozens, sometimes hundreds of people filming rather than helping.

In March 2025, during a brutal fight between cult groups at a university in the South-West, students stood around with their phones in hand. No one intervened. No one called for help. But the footage of the fight went to TikTok, Instagram, and X within minutes.

The question is haunting: has going live become more important than saving lives?

Moreover, it’s easy to point fingers at bystanders. But Nigeria’s systemic failures have created a dangerous environment where compassion is punished and apathy is rewarded.

In most parts of the country, there’s no reliable emergency line. Calling for help is often futile, lines don’t go through, operators are untrained, or help arrives late. Even the trauma centres, where they exist, are few, underfunded, and poorly equipped. Worst of all, those who try to assist victims often find themselves entangled with law enforcement.

In Nigeria, it’s a common habit for a Good Samaritan to be detained as a suspect, harassed, or extorted by the police. This fear is compounded by a lack of trust in the justice system and has led many to do nothing. Or worse, to choose content creation over human compassion.

We now live in a time where everything is content. People rush to be the first to post, the first to trend, the first to go viral. But this obsession with clout has come at the cost of our humanity.

The Abuja fire truck accident is a painful example. Witnesses say the four young men may have survived had they been pulled from the wreckage sooner. But instead of taking action, people stood by, filming, posting and watching. Their final moments were broadcast to the world while help was delayed.

Nigeria urgently needs to fix its broken emergency response system. We need working, responsive hotlines, trained emergency responders, and functioning trauma centres. The government must also create and enforce laws that protect those who help, so citizens won’t be afraid to do the right thing.

But beyond policy, we must confront a cultural shift. We must remind ourselves and our communities that no number of likes, shares, or views is worth more than a human life. Helping someone in need shouldn’t be optional; rather, it should be instinct.

Before you press record, ask yourself: Would I rather save a life or capture a moment?

Firdausi Abubakar, is a student of Information and Media Studies, Bayero University Kano. She can be reached via fizzyabubakar@gmail.com.

By Muhammad Abubakar

Operatives of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), RS12.31 Potiskum Unit Command, on Sunday morning intercepted an overloaded Volkswagen Golf along the Potiskum–Gombe (PKM-GME) highway.

The vehicle, with registration number TRN 59 SB, was stopped during a routine patrol as part of the Corps’ nationwide enforcement operation targeting overloading and other critical traffic offences.

According to the patrol team, the vehicle was found to be carrying passengers and cargo in excess of the permitted limit, a violation that significantly increases the risk of road accidents.

“This action is in line with the Corps’ commitment to reducing road crashes caused by reckless practices such as overloading,” a spokesperson for the unit said.

No injuries were reported during the interception. The vehicle has been impounded, and further investigations are underway.

The FRSC continues to urge motorists to comply with traffic regulations and prioritise safety for all road users.

By Uzair Adam 

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Kano Sector Command has intensified efforts to curb the dangerous practice of mixed overloading of trailers with goods, animals, and human passengers. 

It was gathered that the initiative aims to enhance road safety and prevent fatal crashes resulting from unsafe transportation practices.  

In a statement on Friday, FRSC Kano Public Relations Officer CRC Abdullahi Labaran disclosed that the sector command, led by Sector Commander CC UM Masa’udu, in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force, conducted a special public sensitization campaign on February 20, 2025. 

The exercise took place along Kano-Maiduguri Road, near the Muhammadu Buhari Interchange Flyover, Hotoro, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM.  

The campaign was prompted by the tragic road crash on February 13, 2025, at the same location, which claimed 23 lives and left 48 others injured. 

Investigations revealed that the accident was caused by a dangerously overloaded trailer, a practice that significantly increases the risk of fatal accidents.  

During the sensitization exercise, CC UM Masa’udu warned drivers, transport operators, and stakeholders about the severe dangers of mixed overloading and emphasized the need for strict compliance with safety regulations. 

He reiterated that the FRSC will not tolerate traffic violations that put lives at risk.  

The campaign was attended by representatives of key transport unions, including the National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) and the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), who pledged their commitment to raising awareness among their members and ensuring safer road transport practices.  

The FRSC Kano Sector Command reassured the public of its continued efforts to promote road safety awareness and strict enforcement to prevent further tragedies. 

It urged road users to cooperate with authorities and adopt safer transportation practices for the well-being of all.

Dear Sir,

I hope this message finds you well. I write to bring to your attention the constant road traffic accidents at the Malam-Inna junction along Gombe State University’s second gate. 

Sir, in less than two days, I’ve witnessed about two fatal road traffic accidents at that junction. Although no life was lost, the degree of injuries was sustained by the casualties. Some were taken to hospital in a stupor. 

Within my few weeks of staying in Gombe, I observed that Malam-Inna junction isn’t the only place witnessing incessant road traffic accidents but an extensively considerable number of roads in Gombe. This is because of motorists’ high rate of reckless driving in the city of Gombe. 

Motorists are driving at high speed, jeopardising people’s lives and properties daily. However, most road users in Gombe drive aggressively and don’t care about committing traffic offences. These problems are escalating daily, and if care isn’t taken, they will become a calamity to the good people of Gombe state. 

Sir, as a father and commander in charge of the affairs of Gombe State, I believe you have a responsibility to protect your people. Protection of people isn’t limited to exterminating criminality in society but also to eradicating every act that will likely affect the well-being of the people. Road safety legitimately falls into this category.

To sum up, your Excellency needs to create a legislative framework that will govern the behaviour of road users in Gombe State. This should be done by establishing a new agency that will be saddled with the responsibility of enforcing traffic laws among road users in Gombe State. 

The new agency should develop practical traffic laws that align with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSCN) to curtail reckless driving and traffic offences and enhance both motorists’ and pedestrians’ safety in Gombe State.

The creation of this agency will help promote a culture of respect and responsibility between road users. The agency should be charged with punishing traffic law offenders using fines, license seizure, and prosecution. This will improve adherence to traffic laws and, subsequently, the state’s IGR.

When established, the new agency will create jobs among the Gombe youths and play a vital role in managing the flow of vehicles and busy roads in Gombe State.

Traffic rules are necessities that governments must enforce to ensure a secure and orderly atmosphere for their people. 

Road safety is paramount. As a concerned leader who genuinely cares for his people, I am optimistic that you’ll urgently investigate this matter and take the necessary action. 

Thank you, and God bless.

Sunusi Abubakar Birnin Kudu wrote from Arawa B. Gombe State via muhammadsunusi29@gmail.com.

By Uzair Adam Imam

An auto crash in Kano has led to the death of at least 18 persons, a development that brought tears to the eyes of their loved ones and relatives.

The traumatic incident reportedly occurred along Kano-Ringim Road in the Gabasawa local government area of the state.

The sector Commandant of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Ibrahim Abdullahi, had confirmed the journalists about the accident.

He stated that the accident involved a total of 35 passengers in two buses, out of which 18 were burnt beyond recognition while 12 others sustained serious injuries.

“We received a call about the accident at about 8:35 p.m. on Friday and dispatched our personnel to the scene to rescue the victims,’’ Abdullahi said.

He further stated that some of the deceased were given mass burial at the accident scene, and others were handed over to their relatives.

Ibrahim said the injured victims were taken to Murtala Muhammad General Hospital, Kano.

By Bako Jennifer Bootnaan

The major causes of recent road accidents, especially in Nigeria, may include but are not limited to the following circumstances:

Over-speeding: Drivers often exceed the speed limit on highways and roads, leading to loss of control of the vehicle and accidents.

Poor road conditions: Many roads in Nigeria are poorly constructed and maintained, leading to accidents due to potholes, uneven surfaces, and poor drainage.

Non-compliance with traffic rules: Many drivers in Nigeria do not comply with traffic rules and regulations, leading to accidents.

Overloading: Many commercial drivers overload their vehicles with passengers or goods beyond their capacity, making the car unstable and prone to accidents.

Driving under the influence: Many drivers in northern Nigeria drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs, impairing their judgment and leading to accidents.

Some possible solutions to reduce road accidents in Nigeria are:

Enforcing traffic laws and regulations: The government should implement and penalise drivers who break them.

Improving road infrastructure: The government should improve road infrastructure by constructing and maintaining good quality roads, bridges, and drainage systems.

Educating drivers: Drivers should be educated on the importance of obeying traffic rules and the consequences of reckless driving.

Regulating commercial vehicles: The government should regulate commercial vehicles, especially their loading capacity, to prevent overloading and improve safety.

Increasing awareness: The government should raise awareness about road safety through campaigns, media, and education to encourage safer driving practices among road users.

With the above assertion, if adequately implemented, road accidents may become a thing of the past, not in northern Nigeria alone but in the country.

Bako Jennifer Bootnaan writes from Mass Communication Department, Abubakar Tatari Ali Polytechnic, Bauchi Bauchi State. She can be contacted via jenniferbakobootnaan@gmail.com.

• News Desk

The Lagos State Chapter of the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has bemoaned the death of seven innocent passengers who fell victim to a 20ft container which fell on a commercial minibus at Ojuelegba, Lagos on Sunday, January 29, 2023. The group urged the Lagos State Government (LASG) to formulate a sustainable and enforceable policy that will regulate the operation and movement of tankers and heavy-duty lorries on major roads.

The statement was signed by the chairman of the Lagos Chapter of MURIC, Dr Busari Muhammad Jamiu.

He said: On Sunday, 29th January 2023, a tragedy occurred in Lagos where seven (7) innocent lives were lost. According to the report, a  truck conveying a 20ft container fell on a commercial minibus at Ojuelegba and killed the occupants.

“We are sad that innocent lives are taken by heavy-duty lorries and fuel-laden tankers unabatedly on Lagos roads. The Ojuelegba incident, which happened two days ago, was not the first as Lagosians do witness myriads of tanker explosions and the falling of containers on innocent road users. We are asking the LASG when such calamities would be curtailed.

“It will be recalled that barely two weeks ago, one life was lost when a  diesel-laden tanker fell on a stationary towing van at Otto Wharf, along Apapa – Oshodi Expressway, Mile 2, in Lagos. This incident is just another example of innumerable calamities that Lagosians have experienced.  Are we safe again as road users? What are the authorities doing in curbing and averting the re-occurrence of these avoidable man-made tragedies?

To this end, MURIC urges LASG to formulate a sustainable policy that will regulate the operation and movement of tankers and heavy-duty lorries on our major roads. The enforcement of such policies has become overdue if they already exist.  

“This could be done in conjunction with all relevant authorities such as the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), the Police, Lagos State Ministries of Transportation and  Justice, as well as the tankers’ owners and drivers associations.

“There must be a framework on how, where and when these trucks and lorries are loaded,  parked and moved around in Lagos to avert incessant loss of lives and properties of Lagosians. It is believed that a stitch in time saves nine. Therefore, LASG must not wait until such tragedy is recorded again before taking a proactive step. The time to act is now!”

By Muhammadu Sabiu 

A trailer transporting ginger skidded off the road, crashed, and spilt its contents on the road.

The incident occurred Thursday morning at Nahuta in the Darazo Local Government Area of Bauchi State. 

It was learned that the truck swerved off when the driver dozed off while operating, which led to a loss of control.

The trailer left Kafanchan in Kaduna State and was travelling to Maiduguri in Borno State.

According to a source, no fatalities or significant injuries were reported in the accident.

By Muhammad Sabiu

A car crash along the Kafin Madaki-Ningi route in the Ganjuwa Local Government Area of Bauchi State claimed the lives of six persons on Christmas Day.

The accident, which occurred at 11.50 a.m., also injured sixteen other people to varying degrees.

Yusuf Abdullahi, the state’s FRSC Sector Commander, stated that a white Toyota Hiace bus owned by the Bauchi State Government was involved in the fatal collision.

He said, “Immediately we got the call, our men rushed to the scene within 20 minutes for a rescue operation. They evacuated the victims and rushed them to the Kafin Madaki General Hospital.

“It was when they got there that a medical doctor confirmed six people dead. Sixteen others sustained various degrees of injuries.

“There were a total of 22 people consisting two male adults, four male children, 10 female adults and six female children in the bus when it crashed.

“The lone fatal crash involved a Bauchi State Government vehicle, a Toyota Hiace Bus, white in colour.

“Those killed included two female adults, two male children and two female children.

“Those who sustained bruises and fractures are two male adults, two male children, eight female adults and four female children.”