The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has confirmed that five people, including a female child, lost their lives in a lone road accident along the Enugu-Abakaliki federal highway in Ebonyi State.
The crash occurred on Friday, June 5, at Edema Bridge in Nkalagu, located in Ishielu Local Government Area of the state, according to the FRSC Sector Commander in Ebonyi State, Daniel Asanya.
Speaking in Abakaliki, Asanya said the vehicle involved was a white Toyota Hiace commercial bus with registration number RSH 231 XE. The bus was reportedly travelling from Abakaliki to Enugu when the accident occurred.
According to the FRSC, the vehicle was carrying 17 passengers at the time of the crash.
“The commercial bus, a white coloured Toyota Hiace bus with registration number: RSH 231 XE, had 17 passengers on board. The passengers consist of 12 males and four females,” Asanya said.
He disclosed that five passengers died in the accident, including four adult males and one female child. Twelve other occupants sustained varying degrees of injuries.
“Five persons died in the crash: four males and one female child, while 12 persons were injured: eight males and four females,” he added.
The FRSC commander attributed the accident to excessive speed, warning motorists against reckless driving, particularly on highways undergoing construction or maintenance work.
According to him, preliminary investigations indicated that speed violation played a significant role in the crash. He stressed the importance of obeying traffic regulations and exercising caution while driving through work zones.
Emergency responders recovered several items from the accident scene, including three mobile phones, two bags containing personal belongings, and a quarter bag of rice.
The injured victims were evacuated to Annunciation Hospital in Emene, Enugu State, where they are receiving medical treatment. Meanwhile, the bodies of those who died have been deposited in a morgue.
“The injured were taken to Annunciation Hospital, Emene, Enugu, for treatment while the dead have been deposited in the morgue,” Asanya stated.
He urged motorists using the Enugu-Abakaliki highway to reduce their speed, remain alert, and comply with traffic regulations, especially in areas affected by road construction activities.
“We advise drivers to always drive with caution, especially with construction and maintenance work on the Enugu–Abakaliki highway,” he said.
“Drivers should also realise that roads would always be maintained and this is for public good.”
Asanya further called on the construction company handling work on the highway to install clear and visible warning signs to alert motorists to ongoing activities and potential hazards.
He emphasized that such signs should be properly illuminated and strategically positioned, particularly in locations where roadworks may alter normal traffic patterns or create safety risks for road users.
The FRSC commander noted that improving awareness among drivers and ensuring adequate road safety measures could help reduce the frequency of accidents on the busy highway.
He also reiterated the agency’s commitment to continuing public sensitisation campaigns on safe driving practices, encouraging motorists to take responsibility for their safety and that of other road users.
Road accidents remain a significant concern across Nigeria, with excessive speed, dangerous overtaking, and poor compliance with traffic regulations frequently cited as contributing factors. Safety advocates have consistently called for stricter enforcement of traffic laws and greater caution by motorists to reduce fatalities on the nation’s roads.
The latest accident has once again highlighted the dangers associated with speeding and the need for increased vigilance, particularly on highways undergoing maintenance and construction works.
