15 die in Plateau, Jigawa, Bayelsa road crashes

Fifteen people have been killed and several others injured in road crashes in Plateau, Jigawa and Bayelsa states. In Plateau, five people were confirmed dead on Sunday when a trailer conveying rice and passengers from Shendam LGA to Jos overturned around 3am at the Zangzat Roundabout in Langtang North LGA. The Chairman of Langtang North […]

Fifteen people have been killed and several others injured in road crashes in Plateau, Jigawa and Bayelsa states.

In Plateau, five people were confirmed dead on Sunday when a trailer conveying rice and passengers from Shendam LGA to Jos overturned around 3am at the Zangzat Roundabout in Langtang North LGA.

The Chairman of Langtang North LGA, Pirfa Jingfa Tyem, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Kum Precious Yakubu, said, “Preliminary reports indicate that the crash involved a Plateau State–registered trailer with plate number JJN 383 YZ. The accident was caused by speeding and overloading. Five persons lost their lives while about 13 others sustained varying degrees of injury.”

Tyem expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and wished the injured speedy and full recovery.

He urged drivers, transporters, marketers and commuters to strictly observe speed limits, avoid overloading and always prioritise safety on the roads.

Similarly, a pregnant woman and two other persons died in a road accident involving a tricycle and a trailer on the Swali Bridge in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

Witnesses said the crash occurred on Saturday evening when the tricycle, conveying passengers, attempted to beat the 7pm restriction on tricycle movement in the city.

A witness explained that the trailer, which was climbing the bridge, reportedly suffered brake failure, lost control and rammed into other road users, including the tricycle that was speeding to meet the deadline, hence killing three occupants of the keke instantly, while others sustained injuries.

Confirming the incident, the Bayelsa police spokesperson, ASP Musa Muhammad, said investigation had commenced to determine the cause of the crash.

In Jagawa State, seven people died, while 14 others sustained injuries in a road accident at Yakasawa village on the Dutse-Ringim-Taura Road in Ringim Local Government Area.

The crash, which occurred on Sunday, involved a Golf 3 wagon and a Toyota Sienna bus.

While the exact cause is yet to be officially confirmed, eyewitnesses suggested that excessive speed and dangerous overtaking may have contributed to the tragedy.

The injured were immediately rushed to nearby hospitals, where 14 individuals are currently receiving treatment, while the deceased were deposited at the morgue.

Confirming the incident, Police Public Relations Officer SP Lawan Shiisu Adam said investigations have begun to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash.

He expressed concern over the rising frequency of road accidents along the Dutse-Ringim-Taura corridor, noting that this marks the third fatal accident on the same route within seven days.

Police records indicate that at least 22 people have died in separate accidents over the past week in Dutse, Ringim, and Taura, involving vehicles such as Golf cars and tipper trucks.

SP Adam urged motorists to adhere to traffic regulations, avoid reckless driving, and ensure their vehicles are roadworthy, particularly during long journeys.

Residents of the area also appealed to authorities to implement stricter road safety measures, including speed control and regular patrols, to prevent further fatalities on the busy highway.