Sixteen die, six injured in Lokoja–Okene highway crash
By: Zagazola Makama
No fewer than 16 persons have been confirmed dead in a fatal road accident along the Lokoja–Okene highway in Kogi State.
The crash occurred at about 9:20 a.m. on Friday near Aku village, close to Osara axis of the highway.
Security and traffic safety sources said the accident involved a Toyota Hiace bus with registration number BUU 17 ZD, conveying 22 passengers comprising 21 males and one female from Jos, Plateau State, en route Lagos.
It was gathered that the vehicle reportedly veered off the road at high speed and plunged under a bridge, resulting in multiple fatalities.
The crash was attributed to driver fatigue, according to preliminary findings.
Sixteen occupants—15 males and one female—died in the incident, while six others sustained varying degrees of injuries.
Emergency responders arrived at the scene following a distress call and evacuated the injured victims to health facilities in Osara and the Specialist Hospital in Lokoja for treatment.
The bodies of the deceased were deposited at the Ankuri Mortuary in Lokoja.
Authorities advised motorists to adhere strictly to speed limits, rest adequately during long journeys, and comply with road safety regulations to prevent avoidable loss of lives.
