NIGERIA — July 8, 2025 | IDNN NATIONAL TRAGEDY & SECURITY DESK —
Nigeria was rocked over the weekend by a series of devastating accidents—both on land and at sea—that claimed at least 45 lives, including three Nigerian Navy personnel, two youth corps members, and dozens of civilians.
The deadliest incidents occurred on the Zaria-Kano Highway, a Warri River gunboat mishap, and separate crashes in Ogun and Lagos states, painting a grim picture of the nation’s worsening transportation safety challenges.
“It was a weekend of blood and sorrow,” said a senior FRSC official in Kano.
Zaria-Kano Horror: 21 Dead in Head-On Collision
In what authorities describe as a “reckless violation of traffic rules,” a commercial Toyota Hiace bus driving against traffic collided head-on with a DAF truck near Kasuwar Dogo in Dakatsalle, Kano State.
Out of 24 passengers, 21 were killed on the spot—19 male and two female adults—while three others sustained injuries.
“This tragic loss of life was entirely avoidable. Route violation was the cause,” said FRSC Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed.
The remains were deposited at Nasarawa Hospital in Kano, while survivors are receiving treatment under emergency response protocols.
Warri Naval Gunboat Capsize: Six Confirmed Dead, Others Missing
In Delta State, tragedy struck the Nigerian Navy when a gunboat ferrying officers and civilians capsized near Chevron’s Escravos platform during a humanitarian mission.
The vessel, identified as “EPENAL Gunboat DE 24,” was carrying 15 people—including naval officers, NYSC members, and civilians—back to shore when it sank on Thursday evening.
“As of Monday, six bodies had been recovered, including three naval personnel and three civilians,” said NNS Delta command sources.
The dead include Commander JO Eidangbe, Petty Officer Abolarinwa, and Ordinary Seaman Tena, along with two female corps members and the civilian boat driver.
Three others, including Lt. D.K. Nehemiah and Sub-Lt. Kwala, remain missing.
The boat was returning from a medical outreach under Operation Delta Sanity II, spearheaded by Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla. The program was still concluded despite the tragedy.
Ogun: 10 Dead as Bus Plunges Off Bridge
In Awa, Ijebu North LGA of Ogun State, a Mitsubishi bus carrying 15 people veered off Ijebu-Ode–Ibadan Expressway and plunged into a river after crashing into an abandoned gravel pile.
Ten people died—seven men and three women—while three sustained injuries. Only two passengers escaped unhurt, including a toddler.
“The driver was speeding and overtook recklessly,” said TRACE spokesperson Babatunde Akinbiyi.
Victims were rushed to Ijebu-Ode General Hospital.
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Lagos: Truck-Bus Collision Kills 8
In Badagry, Lagos, eight people—including a bus driver and his conductor—were confirmed dead when a 16-seater commercial bus collided with a DAF truck before dawn at Atura Bus Stop.
Eight other passengers survived with serious injuries and were taken to General Hospital, Badagry.
“The bus was speeding and lost control, slamming directly into the truck,” said LASTMA’s Public Affairs Director, Taofiq Adebayo.
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority coordinated the rescue with FRSC, police, and army personnel.
National Reaction and Safety Warnings
Across Nigeria, tributes poured in for victims as officials reiterated calls for road discipline and safety compliance.
“Reckless driving, over-speeding, and lack of enforcement continue to kill Nigerians needlessly,” said transport analyst Kayode Bamidele.
The Nigerian Navy has vowed to investigate the Warri incident, while FRSC announced plans to intensify road safety patrols nationwide.
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