Tragic Auto Accident Claims Lives of 7 Farmers in Niger – Daily Trust
Seven farmers, two men, and five women tragically lost their lives in a devastating auto crash along the Kutigi-Batati stretch of the Bida-Mokwa road in Lavun Local Government Area of Niger State. The accident occurred when a dark blue Toyota Corolla, bearing the number plate ANW-243-AH and driven by one Halilu, collided head-on with an unregistered white truck at Panti village. Eyewitnesses reported that the collision happened as the Toyota Corolla attempted to overtake an oncoming trailer. The Toyota Corolla had departed Batati and was heading to Kutigi, the Lavun LGA headquarters, while the truck was traveling from Lagos to Abuja.
Eyewitness Account of the Tragic Incident
During a phone interview with our correspondent, Mohammed Alhassan, an eyewitness to the harrowing accident, shared his account of the events. He recounted, “I was riding my motorcycle from the Kutigi direction when the accident happened just meters ahead of me. The Toyota Corolla, loaded with bags of sorghum, tried to overtake another trailer. Although the car managed to overtake, another trailer was parked by the roadside, leaving the driver with no room to escape. The head-on collision was inevitable.”
Displaced Farmers Seek Refuge and Meet Tragic Fate
The victims of this tragic accident were displaced farmers who had fled insecurity in Niger East and resettled in Dasun village via Jipan in Lavun LGA to continue farming after being displaced from conflict-ridden areas of Shiroro, Munya, Paikoro, and Rafi LGAs. This heartbreaking incident highlights the challenges faced by those seeking refuge and safety amidst ongoing conflicts.
Authorities Confirm the Devastating Loss
Kumar Tsukwam, the Niger State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), confirmed that the crash occurred around 6 pm on Monday. Of the nine people involved in the accident, four men and five women, seven victims were tragically pronounced dead by doctors at Kutigi General Hospital. The Sector Commander attributed the crash to speed violation, loss of control, and reckless driving. Mohammed Sanusi, Assistant Commander of the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), Kutigi branch, expressed his grief over the incident, emphasizing the heartbreaking scene of the victims crushed inside the car. The remains of the victims were laid to rest in Dasun village on Tuesday morning, a day after the tragic incident.
The loss of these seven farmers in a devastating auto accident serves as a somber reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of road safety. As we mourn the lives lost, let us also reflect on the need for caution and vigilance while traveling on our roads to prevent such tragic incidents from recurring. May the souls of the departed rest in peace.
