Kogi State Governor, His Excellency Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has expressed profound grief over the fatal road crash that occurred in the early hours of Monday, May 26, 2025, along the Lokoja-Obajana highway, claiming the lives of 19 individuals, including five children, and leaving eight others severely injured.
Governor Ododo described the tragic loss as a deeply painful moment for the state, noting that the magnitude of the incident is both heartbreaking and unacceptable. He conveyed his condolences to the families of the victims and assured them of the state government’s solidarity during their time of sorrow.
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Preliminary reports indicate that the accident at Lokoja-Obajana, involving a Toyota Hummer bus and an articulated truck, was caused by over speeding and wrongful overtaking.
Governor Ododo called on law enforcement and traffic management agencies to intensify the enforcement of road safety laws and ensure strict compliance by motorists to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
“No journey is worth the risk of reckless driving. The loss of 19 precious lives, especially those of innocent children, is a scar on our collective conscience,” the Governor stated. “We must do more to prioritize life over haste. I commend the prompt response by the FRSC and the Nigeria Police, whose efforts helped rescue survivors now receiving treatment.”
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The Governor also emphasized the urgent need for a sustained statewide public education campaign on road safety. He has directed the Ministry of Information and Communications to partner with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to roll out robust enlightenment initiatives targeting drivers, transport unions, and the public.
Governor Ododo reiterated his administration’s commitment to improving emergency response coordination across agencies and urged continued vigilance by road users across the state.