By Gabriella Ogbu
A heart-wrenching tragedy unfolded on the Batati/Lanle Road in Niger State when a head-on collision between a speeding Toyota Corolla and an oncoming tanker claimed the lives of eight farmers.
The incident occurred around 8 pm on Monday, as the Corolla attempted to overtake another vehicle, only to collide with a tanker heading to Lagos for fuel loading.
The victims, all farmers who had recently relocated from Niger Zone B to Dasu village in Lavun Local Government Area due to growing insecurity, were crushed beyond recognition in the crash.
An eyewitness, shaken by the scene, described it as “horrifying.” “The victims, men of varying ages, were unrecognizable. We need stricter road safety measures to stop reckless speeding and overtaking,” the witness said.
Mohammed Sanusi, Assistant Commander of the Road Transport Employers’ Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), in Kutigi, confirmed the incident, visibly moved by the severity of the crash.
“The bodies were in such a dreadful condition, I couldn’t hold back my tears,” he said, offering prayers for the victims.
The Federal Road Safety Corps, Red Cross, and RTEAN personnel worked relentlessly to evacuate the bodies. The victims were laid to rest in Dasu village the next day.
As of now, no official statements have been issued by the Niger State Government, State Police Command, or the Federal Road Safety Corps.
