No fewer than 16 persons have reportedly been confirmed dead in a road accident along the Lokoja–Okene highway in Kogi State.

According to a statement by counter-insurgency expert and security consultant, Zagazola Makama, the crash occurred at about 9:20 a.m. on Friday near Aku village, close to Osara axis of the highway.

Quoting security and traffic safety sources, Makama said the accident involved a Toyota Hiace bus with registration number BUU 17 ZD, conveying 22 passengers comprising 21 males and one female from Jos, Plateau State, en route Lagos.

It was gathered that the vehicle reportedly veered off the road at a high speed and plunged under a bridge, resulting in multiple fatalities.

The crash was attributed to driver fatigue, according to preliminary findings.

“16 occupants, 15 males and one female died in the incident, while six others sustained varying degrees of injuries,” the statement read.

Emergency responders arrived at the scene following a distress call and evacuated the injured victims to health facilities in Osara and the Specialist Hospital in Lokoja for treatment.

The bodies of the deceased were deposited at the Ankuri Mortuary in Lokoja.

Authorities have advised motorists to adhere strictly to speed limits, rest adequately during long journeys, and comply with road safety regulations to prevent avoidable loss of lives.