A fatal crash on the Maiduguri-Damaturu highway has claimed the lives of nine passengers, including three children, in what authorities describe as a high-speed collision involving a Borno Express bus and a trailer.
According to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the deadly incident occurred at approximately 3:30 PM on Friday. The Sector Commander, Usman Muhammad, confirmed in an official statement that five adult males, one woman, two young boys, and one girl lost their lives in the tragic accident.
The crash, which involved a Toyota Hummer bus operated by the state-run Borno Express and a heavy-duty trailer, was attributed to excessive speeding, resulting in the driver losing control.
Emergency response teams arrived promptly at the scene, but eight of the victims were declared dead on the spot. A ninth casualty, a critically injured passenger, later died at the Specialist Hospital in Maiduguri, where seven others are currently being treated for injuries.
“This is a somber reminder of the dangers of speeding on our roads. We extend our deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives,” Muhammad said in his statement. “We urge all motorists to drive responsibly, especially on major highways.”
The FRSC has launched a full investigation into the incident and has pledged to release further information as it becomes available.
The tragic accident has reignited calls for stricter road safety enforcement and public awareness campaigns to curb the rising number of highway fatalities in Nigeria.