A devastating lone road traffic crash on Friday, May 8, 2026, along the Okene‒Lokoja road at Aku community has claimed the lives of 16 individuals and left six others injured.
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) confirmed the fatal incident involving
a Toyota Hiace commercial bus with registration number BUU 17 ZD.
According to statement released, the crash, which occurred around 0920hrs, was promptly reported to the FRSC at 0925hrs.
Rescue operatives from RS8.34 Zariagi Unit Command arrived at the scene within 15 minutes, initiating immediate rescue operations.
Preliminary investigations by the FRSC point to driver fatigue as the probable cause, leading to the loss of control of the vehicle.
A total of 22 persons were involved in the tragic event, comprising 21 male adults and one female adult. Of those involved, 16 persons, including 15 male adults and one female adult, tragically lost their lives. Six male adults sustained varying degrees of injuries, including bruises and head injuries. 
The injured were swiftly evacuated to Specialist Hospital Lokoja and Osara
Hospital for urgent medical attention, while the deceased were deposited at Hankuri Mortuary, Lokoja.
Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed extended his deepest condolences to the families of the victims and wished a speedy recovery to the injured.
He issued a stern warning to motorists, particularly commercial drivers, against the perilous practices of fatigue-induced driving, night journeys, and excessive speeding.
Mohammed underscored the critical importance of adequate rest periods before embarking on long-distance journeys, emphasizing that fatigue severely impairs concentration and reaction time, thereby significantly escalating the risk of fatal crashes.
