•Tinubu, Bago mourn
From John Adams, Minna
An auto crash which occurred at Takalafi village, along Yawuri highway in Magama Local Government Area of Niger State, has claimed no fewer than 17 people.
The accident occurred at about 3pm on Tuesday. A witness account said the crash involved a trailer conveying traders to the southern part of the country. The cause of the crash was attributed to over speeding, which resulted in loss of control by the driver.
The FRSC Public Education Officer, Bisi Kazeem, confirmed the accident in a statement issued in Abuja. Kazeem explained that the accident involved 29 people, comprising 20 male adults, four female adults, and five male children.
He said the injured victims have been evacuated to Kontagora General Hospital in Niger State for immediate medical attention, pointing out that the dead bodies have also been deposited at the mortuary at the same hospital.
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has commiserated with the people and government of Niger State over the ghastly auto-crash, which killed several people. His Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Chief Ajuri Ngelale, in a statement, said President Tinubu condoled with the families of those who died in the accident and prayed for the repose of their souls.
The president, who described the incident as a harrowing tragedy, directed the agency responsible for emergency response to immediately intervene in alleviating the challenges of the victims. He directed that those injured in the tragic accident get the necessary treatment at the highest quality and with alacrity. Tinubu implored citizens to be vigilant and safety conscious while traveling during this festive season and always.
Also, Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umar Bago, has sympathised with victims of the road mishap, describing it as sad and unfortunate.
The governor, in a statement by the Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, said the accident, which occurred as a result of over speeding, was an avoidable one. He expressed regret over the insensitivity of some drivers, especially those who violate the established traffic rules and end up causing sorrow and pain to people and their loved ones.