A fatal head-on collision on the Batati/Lanle Road in Niger State has claimed the lives of eight farmers in a horrific road accident involving a Toyota Corolla and a tanker trailer.
The tragedy occurred at about 8 pm on Monday as the Toyota Corolla, reportedly speeding, attempted to overtake another vehicle but collided with an oncoming tanker heading to Lagos to load fuel.
The victims, identified as farmers who had migrated from Niger Zone B to Dasu village in Lavun Local Government Area due to insecurity, were crushed beyond recognition in the crash.
Speaking to The PUNCH, an eyewitness who preferred to remain anonymous described the accident as a horrifying scene.
“It was a terrible sight. All the victims were men of different age groups, and their bodies were crushed beyond recognition. Road Safety needs to caution drivers about overspeeding and overtaking recklessly on our roads,” he said.
The Assistant Commander of the Road Transport Employers’ Association of Nigeria, Kutigi Branch, Mohammed Sanusi, confirmed the incident and expressed sorrow over the condition of the victims.
“I was shocked by what I saw. The bodies were in a terrible state. Tears ran uncontrollably down my face. May God Almighty forgive their shortcomings,” Sanusi lamented.
He commended personnel from the Federal Road Safety Corps, the Red Cross, and RTEAN for their efforts in evacuating the bodies from the scene. The victims were buried in Dasu village on Tuesday.
As of the time of filing this report, no official statements had been issued by the Niger State Government, the State Police Command, or the Federal Road Safety Corps regarding the accident.
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