Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has expressed profound shock and sorrow following the tragic death of 40 individuals, predominantly children, in a horrific motor accident on Saminaka Road, Lere Local Government Area, Kaduna State.
The fatal incident occurred last Sunday when a J5 bus carrying passengers to an Eid-el Maulud celebration lost control and collided with an articulated vehicle due to overspeeding and overloading.
Initial reports indicated that 15 people had perished at the scene, with many other individuals sustaining severe injuries. Those injured were immediately rushed to various hospitals in Kaduna, Jos, and Kano for emergency medical treatment. Sadly, the death toll has since risen to 40 as more victims succumbed to their injuries in the hospital.
Governor Sani, in a statement, conveyed his deep grief over the tragedy, describing it as a significant loss for the state. He extended his condolences to the families of the deceased and directed the Kaduna State Commissioner of Health to ensure that the surviving victims receive proper medical care. The governor also pledged to provide assistance to the bereaved families during this difficult time.
Meanwhile, the victims of the accident have been laid to rest in accordance with Islamic burial rites in Lere Local Government Area.
This incident has raised concerns over road safety in the state, particularly with regard to overspeeding and overloading, which were key factors in the accident.
In related news, road accidents continue to be a cause for concern across Nigeria, with similar tragedies occurring in recent times, including boat accidents and multiple fatalities on other highways.