By Our Correspondent
Abuja was once again thrown into mourning on Monday as a truck, careening out of control, ploughed into a crowd of motorcyclists and tricycles at the bustling tipper garage in Dutse, claiming at least four lives and leaving many others injured.
The horror unfolded at a location already notorious for fatal crashes, just days after a similar accident rocked the same spot.
According to Engineer Julius Olukunle, former chairman of Bmuko Zone F in Dutse, the truck was descending from Bwari when disaster struck.
“It happened right at the same place where we had an accident on Saturday. The truck lost control and ran over many bikes, keke, and vehicles. About four people have died as a result,” Olukunle told reporters in a voice heavy with concern.
Eyewitnesses described a scene of chaos, with mangled metal and shattered glass strewn across the roadside, as frantic efforts were made to rescue the injured before emergency services arrived.
The recurring bloodshed has sparked outrage in the community. Local leaders and residents are now demanding urgent intervention from the Federal Capital Territory authorities.
“We cannot continue like this,” Olukunle stressed. “We are planning to meet the local government chairman to get approval for a proper bus stop. But more importantly, we want the FCT Minister to hear our cry.”
The community is rallying around the call for a permanent solution. Among the proposals is the construction of an overhead bridge at the deadly junction. Olukunle explained, “If we have an overhead bridge, vehicles from Usman Dam will pass above, while those from Obasanjo Road and Bmuko will go under. This will save lives.”
Saturday’s incident, which shook the same axis, had already raised alarms. While some previous accidents resulted only in property damage, the latest spate of deaths has heightened fears among residents.
Olukunle issued a direct appeal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, urging him to prioritize the safety of the Dutse community.
“This place has become a death trap,” he lamented. “We are losing too many souls. The time for action is now.”
As residents mourn their dead and tend to the injured, the urgent need for decisive measures grows ever clearer.
