A horrific traffic accident on the Yola-Song route in Adamawa State killed six persons, including four National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members and a Nigerian Army officer.
The fatal collision occurred on Wednesday near Barikin-Sajo, when a military weapons truck crashed head-on with a commercial Hummer bus traveling from Kano to Mubi. The hit ignited a big fire that consumed the bus, trapping several passengers and leaving them with little hope of escaping.
According to eyewitnesses, the military vehicle drove into the path of an incoming bus while attempting to overtake another vehicle at a steep bend. The collision caused an inferno, which soon engulfed both vehicles.
Some witnesses stated that the death toll was greater, with up to ten persons perhaps killed in the tragedy. However, official reports from security services confirmed six deaths.
SP Suleiman Nguroje, spokesperson for the Adamawa State Police Command, confirmed that all five passengers on the commercial bus were burned to death. Preliminary investigations revealed that four of the deaths were NYSC troops stationed in Adamawa State, and another passenger died.
The police also stated that one military officer assigned to the gun truck died as a result of injuries experienced during the incident.
Officials from the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and other emergency responders were dispatched to the area to rescue victims and clear the route of damage.
Road safety experts have consistently warned against risky overtaking and excessive speeding, citing them as primary causes of fatal accidents on Nigerian highways.
The recent incident has reignited concerns about reckless driving and the need for stricter enforcement of traffic laws nationwide.
Authorities said investigations are underway to determine the entire circumstances of the tragedy.
