Ododo Mourns Victims of Lokoja-Obajana Road Accident that claims 19 Lives

Ododo Mourns Victims of Lokoja-Obajana Road Accident that claims 19 Lives

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic road accident that claimed the lives of 19 persons, including five children, and left eight others injured along the Lokoja-Obajana road in Lokoja Local Government Area of the state in the early hours of Monday.

In a statement signed on Monday by his Special Adviser on Media,  Ismaila Isah, Ododo described the incident as a devastating loss, not only to the families of the victims but to the entire state.

The Governor lamented that the accident, which involved a Toyota Hummer Bus and an articulated vehicle, resulted from over speeding and wrongful overtaking, and called for stricter enforcement of traffic regulations and discipline by road users.

“Losing 19 lives, including innocent children, in one accident is a tragedy for which words cannot fully express our grief. Our hearts are heavy. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families affected, and we must take urgent steps to prevent such sorrowful occurrences. Every life matters, and no journey is worth the risk of over speeding,” Governor Ododo said.

While commending the efforts of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and the Nigeria Police in responding swiftly to the accident and rescuing the survivors, the Governor extends his sympathies to the bereaved families and prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured, who are currently receiving treatment in hospitals within the state.

He further called for a sustained public education campaign on road safety rules and the dangers of excessive speed.

The Governor directed the state ministry of information and communications to collaborate with the FRSC to upscale enlightenment campaigns that will improve road safety in all parts of the state.

He also called for enhanced coordination among emergency response agencies.