A tragic road accident occurred in the early hours of yesterday on the Suleja-Lapai highway in Niger State, claiming the lives of 22 people and leaving 20 others injured. The crash involved a lone lorry transporting both passengers and goods from Kano to Lagos.
Confirming the incident, the Niger State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Aisha Saadu, said the accident happened around 3:40 am. She revealed that the lorry was carrying 42 male occupants when the accident occurred.
According to Commander Saadu, FRSC personnel from Lambatta and Suleja units were immediately deployed to the scene of the crash after they received the distress call. Their quick response helped in evacuating the injured and recovering the bodies of those who died.
She said the injured passengers were quickly rushed to the Federal Medical Centre in Lambatta, while the bodies of the deceased were deposited at the Suleja General Hospital morgue.
While the cause of the accident is yet to be officially confirmed, preliminary reports suggest that factors such as fatigue, overloading, and poor visibility may have played a role. The ill-fated lorry, which was loaded with both human passengers and commercial goods, is believed to have lost control before crashing.
The Suleja-Lapai road is a known route for long-distance trucks and commercial vehicles linking northern and southern parts of Nigeria. However, it is also notorious for road accidents due to its narrow lanes, poor lighting, and increased nighttime traffic involving overloaded vehicles.
FRSC officials have repeatedly cautioned drivers—especially commercial vehicle operators—against night journeys, overloading, and the mixing of passengers with goods, especially in non-passenger vehicles like cargo lorries. The agency maintains that such practices increase the risk of serious accidents.
Commander Aisha Saadu expressed deep sorrow over the incident and extended condolences to the families of the victims. She also advised motorists to be cautious while travelling, especially at night, and to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy before embarking on long trips.
“This is a very unfortunate incident. It is a painful reminder of the dangers associated with unsafe road practices. We urge transporters and travellers to prioritise safety over speed or profit,” she said.
The FRSC, along with other security agencies, has since cleared the scene of the accident to restore free flow of traffic. Investigations into the exact cause of the crash are still ongoing.
This latest accident comes just weeks after a similar tragedy in the state, where 18 passengers were burnt beyond recognition in another crash, further raising concerns about road safety and enforcement on major Nigerian highways.
Niger State, due to its central location, remains a major transit point for commercial transport and logistics between northern and southern Nigeria. However, road infrastructure and enforcement remain major challenges, as many of the roads are in need of repair, and enforcement of transport regulations remains inconsistent.
Road safety advocates have called on the Federal Ministry of Transportation and Nigerian Highway Authorities to increase road patrols, improve road lighting, and enforce regulations that prohibit the transport of passengers in cargo vehicles.
They also stressed the need for stricter penalties for violators and increased public awareness campaigns to educate drivers and passengers on the dangers of night travel, overloading, and poor vehicle maintenance.
As investigations continue, families of the victims are being contacted, while some survivors are still receiving treatment at the Federal Medical Centre.
