A devastating road accident on the Dutse–Kiyawa Road in Jigawa State has left at least 18 people dead and two others critically injured, renewing concerns over road safety in the state following a series of recent fatal crashes.
What Happened
• The crash occurred at about 12:20 p.m. on Tuesday at Danmasara Quarters, Dutse.
• It involved two Golf 3 cars and a tipper truck, according to police and eyewitness accounts.
• Sixteen victims died instantly at the scene, while two others later succumbed to their injuries at the hospital.
• Two survivors are currently receiving treatment in critical condition.
Eyewitness Accounts
Residents who witnessed the incident described it as sudden and catastrophic:
• Abdullahi Idris, a local resident, said one of the vehicles lost control, hit a streetlight, collided with another car, and was then crushed by a tipper truck.
• Another witness, Muhammad Ibrahim, attributed the crash to excessive speed, noting that several passengers were trapped inside the wreckage as bystanders tried to help.
• Fatima Hassan, also at the scene, said many of the victims were from Fake village in Kiyawa Local Government Area, adding that the incident left the community deeply shaken.
Police Confirmation
The Jigawa State Police Command confirmed the incident through its spokesperson, SP Shi’isu Adam.
• He said the vehicles involved carried registration numbers KYW 500 XA, RAN 836 XA, and BUU 289 XA.
• Preliminary findings show that the deceased included 10 males and eight females, most of whom were identified as residents of Fake village.
Official Response
• The Commissioner of Police has extended condolences to the bereaved families and offered prayers for the deceased and the injured.
• Police officers were deployed to secure and clear the accident scene to prevent further traffic disruption and secondary crashes.
• An investigation has been launched to determine the exact cause of the accident, though speeding and reckless driving are suspected.
Wider Context
• The tragedy comes just days after another fatal accident in Ringim Local Government Area on Christmas Day, where 11 people lost their lives and nine others were injured.
• Authorities say the repeated incidents highlight the need for greater caution on major roads, particularly busy corridors like the Dutse–Kiyawa route.
Safety Advisory
Police have urged motorists to adhere strictly to traffic regulations, avoid speeding, and drive defensively to reduce the growing number of fatal road accidents in the state.
Source: Africa Publicity
