In a tragic turn of events on Thursday, Christmas Day, 11 people lost their lives while 9 others, including the driver, sustained varying degrees of injuries in a fatal motor accident in Beguwa village along Sankara Road, Ringim Local Government Area of Jigawa State.
PUNCH Online gathered that the accident occurred around midday as Christian faithful were celebrating Christmas at different places in the state.
Eyewitnesses say the driver was speeding recklessly when he suddenly lost control of the vehicle, resulting in the horrific crash.
One of the eyewitnesses, Malam Sani, who spoke to PUNCH correspondent via telephone, said, “The driver was on top speed despite the narrow and busy nature of the road. He didn’t even attempt to slow down when he approached a bend near the village.”
Another witness, Aisha Inuwa, a married woman at the village, narrated how people rushed to the scene in panic. “It was a horrifying sight. Some passengers died instantly while others were trapped under the vehicle. Our village people got it very hard before bringing the victims out,” she said.
Lawal Musa, another eyewitness, accounted that the vehicle looked physically unfit for the road, and it was on high speed at the time the incident occurred.
Musa said, “The driver was reckless and the vehicle appeared to have brake issues. It’s a miracle anyone survived.”
Confirming the incident via telephone on Thursday afternoon, the Public Relations Officer of the Jigawa State Police Command, SP Shi’isu Adam, described the accident as “very unfortunate,” revealing that investigations are ongoing.
“Yes, the accident occurred today (Thursday) at Beguwa village along Sankara Road in Ringim LGA. We lost 11 people in the crash and 9 others are currently receiving treatment in the hospital, including the driver,” he said.
While noting that full details would be provided once all reports are compiled, the PPRO assured that justice would be served.
“As soon as the driver recovers from his injuries, we will transfer him to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for proper interrogation and prosecution.
“The Command will not hesitate to charge him for reckless driving and causing death by dangerous driving,” he added.
He further urged drivers to always prioritise safety, especially during festive seasons when road traffic is high and more lives are at risk.
The police command also appealed to the general public to remain calm and allow authorities to carry out a full investigation into the cause of the accident.
Earlier, two people lost their lives in a diesel tanker explosion at the Oto-Ijanikin axis near Lagos State University of Education along the Badagry Expressway.
The incident occurred while a truck carrying diesel reportedly lost control while attempting to overtake another vehicle, causing it to crash and ignite
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