A fatal road accident along the Lambatta–Lapai highway in Niger State has left twenty-two people dead and twenty others severely injured, authorities confirmed on Thursday.
The tragic incident occurred at approximately 3:40 AM on Thursday and involved a lorry transporting passengers and goods from Kano to Lagos. According to eyewitness accounts, the driver reportedly lost control of the vehicle, allegedly due to fatigue and poor road conditions, resulting in the deadly crash.
Confirming the incident, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Sector Commander in Niger State, Aisha Saadu, said:
“It is a heartbreaking incident. We can confirm 22 fatalities and 20 injured persons who were rushed to nearby hospitals for emergency treatment. Preliminary investigations suggest the accident was caused by driver fatigue and the deplorable state of the road.”
She strongly cautioned commercial drivers and transport companies against embarking on long-distance night journeys, citing heightened risks associated with driver exhaustion and reduced visibility. She also stressed the need for routine vehicle maintenance and adherence to roadworthiness standards before embarking on any trip.
“We urge transport operators to ensure their vehicles are in good condition before hitting the roads. More importantly, night travel should be discouraged as it remains a major contributor to high-fatality crashes,” she added.
Rescue operations were promptly carried out by FRSC officers with the support of local volunteers, who helped evacuate victims to nearby medical facilities.
The Lambatta–Lapai corridor is known for its dangerous terrain and deteriorating road infrastructure, raising fresh concerns about road safety and the need for urgent government intervention.
𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁𝘀𝗔𝗽𝗽 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗹 𝗧𝗼 𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝗟𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗡𝗲𝘄𝘀 𝗔𝘀 𝗜𝘁'𝘀 𝗗𝗿𝗼𝗽!
