By Theodore Opara

The Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Shehu Mohammed, has described as “heartbreaking” the three fatal road crashes that claimed 32 lives across Kogi, Ogun and Kwara states within 48 hours, saying the tragedies were entirely preventable and resulted largely from avoidable traffic violations.

Mohammed expressed deep sorrow over the incidents, blaming speeding, wrongful overtaking, dangerous driving, poor tyre maintenance, driver fatigue and the illegal practice of transporting passengers alongside goods for the devastating loss of lives.

He urged motorists, transport companies and commercial vehicle operators to make safety their highest priority, warning that the Corps would sustain aggressive enforcement against traffic offences that endanger lives.

The FRSC, in a statement issued on Monday, also conveyed its heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their loved ones and prayed for the speedy recovery of victims receiving treatment in various hospitals.

The first of the three crashes occurred at about 12:30pm on Sunday, July 5, along the Okene-Lokoja Road near Confluence University, Osara, in Kogi State. The crash involved a MAN truck and a Toyota Sienna commercial bus carrying 10 occupants.

Seven persons—six male adults and one female adult—were killed, while three male adults sustained injuries and were evacuated to Abobo General Hospital for treatment. Preliminary investigations identified a tyre burst as the cause of the fatal collision.

Later that same day, at about 8:05pm, another tragic crash occurred at Sapade Bridge on the Ibadan-Lagos Expressway in Ogun State. The incident involved a SINOTRUK truck and a Toyota Hiace bus carrying 18 persons.

Ten people, comprising nine male adults and one male child, lost their lives, while six others—four male adults and two female adults—suffered injuries and were rescued to Victory Hospital, Ogere. Two male adults escaped unhurt.

According to preliminary findings, the crash resulted from excessive speeding, wrongful overtaking and dangerous driving after the truck created a hazardous situation on the highway.

Tragedy struck again in the early hours of Monday, July 6, at Oko-Olowo along the Ogbomosho-Oloru Road in Kwara State, where a DAF trailer conveying passengers and goods crashed.

The lone crash involved 48 male adults, leaving 15 people dead, 17 injured and 16 rescued unhurt.

Although investigations point to driver fatigue as the immediate cause of the crash, the FRSC said the high death toll was aggravated by the illegal and dangerous practice of mixed loading, in which passengers were transported alongside goods.

Mohammed stressed that adherence to traffic regulations remains the surest way to reduce road crashes and fatalities. He called on motorists to ensure that only roadworthy vehicles are driven on the nation’s highways, tyres are routinely inspected and replaced when worn, speed limits are obeyed and drivers are adequately rested before embarking on journeys.

He also reiterated that passengers should never be transported together with goods, describing the practice as unlawful and highly dangerous.

The Corps Marshal assured Nigerians that the FRSC would continue to strengthen road safety through sustained enforcement, strategic public enlightenment campaigns and prompt emergency response.

He urged all road users to recognise that road safety is a shared responsibility requiring the cooperation of every motorist and commuter.