Niger: Scores feared dead in multiple road accidents

Many people have been feared dead when two articulated trucks carrying goods and passengers were involved in separate accidents in Lavun and Mokwa Local Councils of Niger state.

The Guardian learnt that the first incident which occurred at Kutigi town in Lavun Council, involved a trailer conveying cows and passengers, who are mostly young men between the ages of 25 and 35 years, identified to be okada riders going to the Southern part of the country for their businesses.

It was also revealed that the vehicle left Katsina State towards the south when its brake failed while entering Kutigi town, leading to the road mishap that claimed many lives with others injured.

Sources in the area stated that the residents discovered that that vehicle had lost control and ran for safety before the body of the truck severed from the head, resulting in many casualties.

Similarly, another truck conveying goods and passengers had a crash at Labozi near Kudu in Mokwa Local Council of Niger, claiming the lives of several people.

Sources in the area said that the incident was caused by fatigue as the driver slept off while on the steering.

They called on drivers, especially the tanker and trailer drivers to be conscious of the consequences of not resting for a very long journey.

When contacted, the Niger State commander of the Federal Road Safety Commission, Mr Kumar Tsukwan confirmed the incidents, saying that he is attending a workshop in Abuja and will get back, but was yet to do so at press time.