Midnight Tragedy on Ejule–Enugu Highway as Overspeeding Leaves 12 Dead in Kogi

A quiet Friday night turned into a scene of grief and unanswered questions along the Ejule–Enugu highway in Kogi State after a fatal road accident claimed the lives of no fewer than 12 people, including a child, and left two others injured. The crash, which occurred at about 11:30 p.m. in the Iboko community of Idah Local Government Area, has once again drawn attention to the deadly consequences of overspeeding and poor road safety practices on Nigeria’s highways.

The Federal Road Safety Corps confirmed the incident on Saturday, describing it as both tragic and avoidable. According to the Kogi State FRSC Sector Commander, Mr. Tenimu Etuku, the accident involved an 18-seater Toyota Hiace bus operated by Romchi Mass Transit. The vehicle was reportedly travelling from Abuja to the eastern part of the country when it rammed into a stationary articulated truck that had been parked along the highway due to a fault.

Etuku explained that preliminary investigations by FRSC officials indicated that excessive speed played a major role in the crash. He said the bus driver was allegedly driving at a high speed and could not stop or maneuver safely upon approaching the parked truck, leading to a violent collision that resulted in multiple fatalities on the spot. The force of the impact, he noted, left little chance for many of the passengers to survive.

Emergency responders, including FRSC operatives and local volunteers, were quickly mobilized to the scene following distress calls from residents of the area. However, by the time help arrived, several passengers had already succumbed to their injuries. The injured survivors were rescued and taken to a nearby hospital for medical attention, while the bodies of the deceased were evacuated and deposited at a morgue.

The Sector Commander expressed deep sadness over the incident, stressing that such accidents are preventable if road users adhere strictly to traffic regulations. He lamented that overspeeding, especially during night travel, remains one of the leading causes of fatal crashes across the country. Etuku also pointed out that the danger is often compounded by broken-down vehicles being left on highways without proper warning signs or reflective indicators to alert approaching motorists.

Residents of Iboko community, who were among the first to arrive at the scene, described the incident as horrifying. Some said they heard a loud bang that shattered the quiet of the night, followed by cries for help. By the time they reached the highway, they were met with the wreckage of the bus and the grim reality of lives lost. Many stood in silence, visibly shaken, as emergency workers carried out rescue and recovery operations.

The tragedy has sparked renewed calls for stricter enforcement of speed limits and better regulation of commercial transport operations. Road safety advocates argue that many commercial drivers are under pressure to meet tight schedules, leading them to drive recklessly, particularly on long-distance night journeys. They also emphasize the need for transport companies to ensure that their drivers are well-rested and adhere to safety guidelines at all times.

FRSC officials used the opportunity to urge motorists to exercise caution, especially during night travel when visibility is reduced and fatigue is more likely to set in. Etuku warned drivers against excessive speed, distracted driving, and other risky behaviors, reminding them that the consequences often extend beyond the driver to innocent passengers and families waiting at home.

He also called on operators of articulated vehicles and heavy-duty trucks to ensure that faulty vehicles are not abandoned on highways without adequate warning signs. According to him, the absence of reflective triangles, hazard lights, or other safety indicators significantly increases the risk of collisions, particularly at night. He stressed that every road user has a responsibility to contribute to collective safety.

As news of the accident spread, messages of condolence poured in from community leaders and concerned citizens across Kogi State. Many expressed sorrow over the loss of lives and sympathized with the families of the victims, describing the incident as a painful reminder of how fragile life can be. Some families were reportedly already on their way to receive loved ones who never arrived, turning what should have been a routine journey into a lifetime of grief.

The incident adds to a growing list of deadly road accidents recorded on major highways in Nigeria in recent months. Despite repeated warnings and public awareness campaigns, overspeeding continues to claim lives, raising questions about compliance with road safety laws and the effectiveness of enforcement measures. Experts say that beyond enforcement, there is a need for sustained education, improved road infrastructure, and accountability for transport operators.

FRSC has assured the public that a full investigation into the crash will be conducted to determine all contributing factors. Etuku said the findings would help guide further actions, including possible sanctions where necessary, and inform strategies to prevent similar tragedies in the future. He reiterated the Corps’ commitment to reducing road traffic crashes and saving lives through enforcement, education, and collaboration with other stakeholders.

For now, the Ejule–Enugu highway stands as another solemn reminder of the dangers that lurk on Nigeria’s roads when speed overtakes caution. As families mourn the sudden loss of their loved ones, the hope remains that lessons from this tragedy will not be ignored, and that greater responsibility by drivers, transport companies, and authorities alike will help prevent such devastating accidents from recurring.