12 Killed in Yobe Road Accident

At least 12 people, including a child, tragically lost their lives in a road accident along the Baimari-Geidam road in Yobe State.

The Sector Commander of the Yobe State Sector Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Corps Commander Livinus Yilzoom, confirmed the incident to reporters on Wednesday.

The crash occurred at around 10:00 pm on Tuesday at Km 20, near Chelluri village along the Baimari-Geidam road. According to Yilzoom, the collision involved a stationary Howo truck with registration number MAG831ZR, owned by Dan Nene Construction Company, and a Sharan mini bus with registration number BAU124YF. The bus, after running into the truck, caught fire, engulfing the 12 occupants beyond recognition.

Preliminary investigations by the FRSC suggest that the immediate cause of the crash was obstruction on the road, while excessive speed and an overloaded bus were identified as the remote causes.

Yilzoom advised motorists to avoid night-time travels due to the dangers posed by poor visibility, especially considering the ongoing hazy harmattan weather. "It is crucial for motorists to obey road traffic rules and regulations at all times to prevent such incidents," he stated. 

He also extended his condolences to the families of the victims.