From Olanrewaju Lawal, Birnin Kebbi
About 14 people and 22 cows were reportedly killed in a ghastly accident along Koko-Jega road in Kebbi State.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Kebbi State, Nafiu Abubakar, confirmed this in a statement made available to newsmen in Birnin Kebbi, yesterday.
He said: “On December 12, 2022, at about 0530hrs, there was a fatal motor vehicle accident along Jega-Koko road. The accident occurred when a truck with Reg. No. SRZ 518 XS, Sokoto State, driven by yet to be identified person, conveying passengers and cows from Illela Local Government Area (LGA) of Sokoto State, heading to Lagos State, hit a truck parked by the shoulder of the roadside at Dada village, Koko/Besse LGA of Kebbi State. As a result, 40 passengers sustained various degrees of injuries.
“On receipt of the report, the Commissioner of Police, Kebbi State Command, Ahmed Magaji Kontagora, instantly rushed to the scene, evacuated the victims to the General Hospital Koko for treatment, where a medical doctor confirmed 14 of the passengers dead, while the remaining victims are currently responding to treatment. Similarly, 22 cows also died as a result of the accident.
“CP Ahmed Magaji Kontagora also prayed for the souls of the departed to have an eternal rest and their immediate families the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.”
He quoted the CP to have called on the NURTW, NARTO and other road users to always ensure they employ adequate safety measures in their vehicles and be conscious while driving, with a view to preventing future recurrence.
“They are, therefore, advised to observe speed limits, avoid recklessness and be more careful while driving, especially during the festive period,” he stated.