At least 18 people from Sokoto State lost their lives in a tragic road accident along the Sokoto–Yauri highway in Kebbi State, while returning from Lagos where they had been seeking employment. The incident occurred at around 11 pm on Monday when an 18-seater commercial bus collided head-on with a trailer. The crash claimed 18 lives at the scene, while two passengers survived with injuries. The victims were part of a group of 20 passengers traveling from Lagos to Sokoto, a common route for many Nigerians seeking better economic opportunities.
The National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) member, Bello Muhammad, confirmed the accident after joining rescue efforts. He stated that upon arrival at the scene, 18 people had already died and the bus was completely destroyed. The bodies were transported to the General Hospital in Yauri, where relatives identified them before they were released for burial. Muhammad personally helped transport some of the victims’ remains from Kajiji Ward back to their home communities in Sokoto State.
Among the deceased were the bus driver, Manniru Sabo, Basiru Shehu, and another resident of Kajiji Ward. Seven victims hailed from Bingaje and Gudirriga villages in Yabo Local Government Area, while two others were from Gada Local Government Area. The remaining victims came from various parts of Sokoto State. Muhammad explained that passengers traveling from Lagos to Sokoto are often picked up from different locations within the state, which is why the victims represented multiple communities.
Due to the severity of the crash, several bodies were too damaged for identification, making the recovery and burial process emotionally taxing for families and rescue workers. Alhaji Shehu Jabo, a resident who assisted in transporting the bodies and attended funeral prayers, described the scene as heartbreaking. He said many of the victims’ bodies were mangled, making recognition difficult. Jabo also alleged that the trailer veered into the bus’s lane, causing the fatal collision. He noted that only one passenger was from Kebbi State, while the other 19 were from Sokoto.
Barrister Maidawa Kajiji, Chairman of Shagari Local Government Area, confirmed the incident and extended condolences to the affected families. He emphasized the need for improved road safety measures and better regulation of commercial vehicles on major highways. The accident has reignited calls for stricter enforcement of traffic laws and better maintenance of roads across Nigeria’s transportation network. This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by daily commuters and the urgent need for safer travel conditions.
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