In the aftermath of a deadly auto crash that claimed six lives and left five others injured in Okene, Kogi State, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has issued a heartfelt message of condolence and an urgent call for concrete action on road safety.

The lawmaker, who was visibly moved by the tragedy that struck her Kogi Central constituency, described the incident as deeply disturbing and a painful reminder of Nigeria’s unsafe roads.

In a statement released on Wednesday by her Chief Press Secretary, Arogbonlo Israel, she mourned the death of the victims who lost their lives in the accident and prayed for their loved ones to find strength.

“My heart goes out to the families of the victims and the injured,” said Akpoti-Uduaghan.

“May the bereaved find strength during this heartbreaking time, and may the wounded heal quickly and fully,” said Akpoti-Uduaghan.

She also urged public and government authorities to prioritise safety and prevent further loss.

“Our roads must not remain death traps. The government must act—immediately and decisively—to investigate what went wrong and to prevent similar disasters,” she said.

She also called for a nationwide campaign on road safety education, especially targeted at commercial drivers, who she said bear great responsibility for passengers’ lives.

While investigations are expected to commence soon, many residents of Okene say the tragedy reflects a systemic failure.

For them, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s voice is one of empathy and long-overdue accountability.