How Kaduna road accident claimed 8 family members’ lives

As the dust settles after the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations in Barakallahu community of Igabi Local Government Area in Kaduna State, what should have been a time of joy and family bonding turned into an unimaginable nightmare. A speeding vehicle veered off the rain-soaked Kaduna-Zaria highway and plowed into a group of unsuspecting pedestrians, wiping out eight […]

As the dust settles after the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations in Barakallahu community of Igabi Local Government Area in Kaduna State, what should have been a time of joy and family bonding turned into an unimaginable nightmare.

A speeding vehicle veered off the rain-soaked Kaduna-Zaria highway and plowed into a group of unsuspecting pedestrians, wiping out eight members of one extended family in a single, horrifying moment.

Now, in the quiet aftermath, families are left devastated, the community is shattered, and a father has been forced to bury his wife, children, and relatives on the same day.

“They were just standing by the road,” the grieving father recounted in horror.

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• How Kaduna road accident claimed 8 family members’ lives

Malam Jamilu Usman Mai Yadi, a resident of Tudun Wada, still struggles to find the words to explain what happened on that Monday evening, June 9, 2025. He had just celebrated the holiday with loved ones when the tragedy struck.

“My wife, Khadija Umar, my two sons, Sadiq and Muhammad, her younger sister, her elder sister, and their aunt — all gone,” he said in a voice barely above a whisper. “In total, eight members of my family were hit; eight died, and two are still in the hospital.”

According to him, the victims were waiting by the roadside to get a ride back home after visiting their grandmother. “They were not even on the road, they were just standing there when the car came out of nowhere.”

With visible anguish, he said, “Sadiq’s body was only found later by road safety officials. My wife’s leg was broken beyond recognition. That car must have been speeding.”

For Sulaiman Abdulkadir Mai Shinkafa, a cleric from Hayin Rigasa, the loss was doubly painful. His pregnant wife, Zainab Muhammad, was just weeks away from giving birth to twins. Their six-year-old son, Khalid, also died in the crash.

“She had already picked out names for them — Hassan and Hussaini. Everything was ready,” he said, fighting back tears.

Her body was crushed. My son’s bones were shattered. We had to use planks to gather their remains before we could bury them. No human being should ever have to do that.”

The police identified Aliyu Umar, 27, of Rigachikun, as the driver of the vehicle. He died in the accident.

Eyewitnesses claimed that all four men inside the vehicle — including Shareef Abubakar, Musa Muhd, and Abubakar Zanna — fled the scene during the chaos.

 

Police begin probe

The Kaduna State Police Command said it has launched a full-scale investigation into the fatal motor accident that claimed the lives of the eight pedestrians.

In a statement issued by the command’s spokesperson, DSP Mansir Hassan, on Saturday, the police confirmed that the incident occurred on Monday, June 9, 2025, at about 6.30pm.

He said the crash involved a Mercedes GLK Jeep driven by 27-year-old Aliyu Umar from Rigachikun, who lost control of the vehicle and ploughed into a group of pedestrians near the Jalo Campaign Office.

Police said seven individuals died on the spot, while another victim, identified as the driver, later died from injuries sustained during the crash at the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital.

“The deceased include Sadiq Jamilu, Muhd Jamilu, Abdurrahman Abubakar, Aliyu Ukasha, Khadija Jamilu, Zainab Umar, Aisha Abubakar, and Aliyu Umar (the driver).

“Three others — Nana Abubakar, Ibrahim Abubakar, and one Musa (surname yet to be confirmed) — were injured and are currently receiving treatment at the military hospital,” he said.

The police said the impounded vehicle is currently secured at Rigachikun Police Station as investigations continue to unravel the circumstances that led to the tragic incident.

Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police, CP Rabiu Muhammad, described the incident as “deeply sorrowful” and extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. He emphasised that a full and impartial investigation is underway to determine both the immediate and remote causes of the accident.

“No stone will be left unturned, and justice will be served,” CP Muhammad assured. “We are determined to establish the circumstances that led to this unfortunate incident and identify anyone responsible beyond the deceased driver, if applicable.”

The police further urged the public to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information that could incite panic or mislead the public.

“As investigations progress, we will ensure transparency and keep the public adequately informed,” the statement concluded.

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) corroborated the over-speeding theory. Sector Commander Tijjani Iliyasu said the rain had made the highway slick and dangerous.

“It was over-speeding. The road was wet, and he lost control. They ran into people by the roadside,” he explained.

He confirmed that six people died instantly, while others later succumbed to their injuries. “By the time we got there, those in the car had fled. We focused on saving the injured and recovering the deceased.”

 

Residents react

The Barakallahu community has been engulfed in grief since the crash. Streets that once bustled with children during the holiday season are now marked by silence.

Imam Rabiu, a local cleric, prayed for the souls of the deceased. “It was a terrible night for us. Eight people from one extended family — gone. May Allah forgive them.”

Adam, another resident, simply said, “It was painful. Nobody should have to bury eight people at once.”

 

Families seek justice

Back in Sabon Garin, Tudun Wada, families are meeting with representatives from the alleged driver’s side for possible compensation. But Mai Yadi says no agreement has been reached yet.

“All we want is justice, and negotiation is ongoing as we agreed to meet next week with the driver’s family representatives,” he said.