Tragedy struck in Edo and Ogun states on Sunday as separate road accidents claimed the lives of twelve individuals. In Edo State, a devastating crash in the Agbede community, near Channel 5, resulted in the deaths of eight passengers who were burnt beyond recognition. The incident occurred when a truck traveling from Benin to Auchi experienced brake failure and collided with vehicles that were stopped in traffic.

According to eyewitnesses, the truck driver and his assistant were heard shouting "No brakes! No brakes!" before the vehicle rammed into two other vehicles caught in traffic, as well as a stationary vehicle. The impact ignited a fire, engulfing the vehicles and trapping the occupants. The Edo State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Cyril Mathew, confirmed that four vehicles were involved in the accident, two of which were carrying diesel and liquefied gas. He stated that one of the tankers descending Ewu Hill on the Benin-Auchi road had a brake failure and rammed into other vehicles, sparking the fire. Initially, seven bodies were recovered from the scene, but another victim who was hospitalized succumbed to their injuries on Monday, bringing the total fatalities to eight.

Mathew commended the efforts of FRSC personnel and local villagers who assisted in managing the situation and preventing further casualties.

In Ogun State, another fatal accident occurred on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway on Sunday, resulting in the deaths of four people and injuries to nine others. The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) spokesperson, Mrs. Florence Okpe, reported that the crash occurred at 8:30 p.m. due to speeding and a tyre burst, which caused the driver to lose control of the vehicle. The vehicle, marked FKJ 570 YE, was carrying thirteen passengers – five men and eight women. Tragically, two men and two women lost their lives, while three men and six women sustained injuries. The injured victims were promptly taken to Victory Hospital, Ogere, while the deceased were taken to FOS Morgue, Ipara.

Sector Commander Akinwumi Fasakin urged motorists to remain vigilant, conduct routine vehicle checks, and adhere to speed limits to prevent avoidable accidents.

In related news concerning waterway safety, the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has partnered with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to conduct drug tests on boat operators. This initiative follows frequent boat mishaps that have resulted in the loss of lives in Niger State. The NIWA Area Manager in Niger State, Mr. Akapo Adeboye, announced the collaboration during a sensitisation programme for boat operators, traders, and farmers in Katcha Local Government Area (LGA). The program aims to enhance safety and reduce accidents on waterways.

Adeboye emphasized that many of the accidents involved traders and farmers traveling to Katcha’s weekly market. As part of new enforcement measures, NIWA has introduced penalties for non-compliance with safety regulations. These penalties include a N50,000 fine for night travel and transporting hazardous or inflammable materials; a N20,000 fine for overloading and dumping refuse into waterways; and a N10,000 fine for failing to wear a life jacket, operating a boat without a valid license, or lacking a fire extinguisher. He warned that untrained boat operators caught transporting passengers would face prosecution.

To address safety concerns, NIWA is providing training to ensure boat operators are qualified, Adeboye stated. Additionally, all passengers will be required to register their names in a cargo manifest before boarding to maintain accurate passenger records for emergency response.