12 killed in Kogi highway accident due to overspeeding
A tragic road accident on the Ejule–Enugu highway in Kogi State claimed at least 12 lives, including a child, with two others injured, as confirmed by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).
The incident occurred late Friday night, December 19, 2025, around 11:30 p.m. in the Iboko community of Idah Local Government Area.
An 18-seater Toyota Hiace bus operated by Romchi Mass Transit, traveling from Abuja to eastern Nigeria, collided with a stationary faulty articulated truck.
FRSC Sector Commander Tenimu Etuku attributed the crash primarily to excessive speeding by the bus driver.
Rescue operations by FRSC personnel ensured the two injured survivors received treatment at Mercy of Jesus Hospital in Ejule, while the deceased were deposited in a morgue.
FRSC ResponseEtuku described the accident as “fatal and very unfortunate” during a briefing in Lokoja on Saturday, expressing condolences to the victims’ families.
He urged motorists to avoid reckless driving, especially during the festive season amid heightened traffic on inter-regional routes like this one linking North-Central and South-East Nigeria.
The highway has seen similar risks due to poor vehicle maintenance and road conditions.
The Kogi State FRSC Sector Commander, Tenimu Etuku, disclosed the incident on Saturday in Lokoja, describing the crash as tragic and avoidable. He said the accident happened at about 11:30 p.m. in Iboko community, Idah Local Government Area.
According to Etuku, the crash involved an 18-seater Toyota Hiace bus operated by Romchi Mass Transit, which was travelling from Abuja to the eastern part of the country when it rammed into a parked faulty articulated vehicle.
He attributed the accident to overspeeding, noting that FRSC rescue teams responded promptly and evacuated the injured victims to Mercy of Jesus Hospital, Ejule, while the bodies of the deceased were deposited in a morgue.
Etuku expressed condolences to the families of the victims and urged motorists to exercise caution, obey traffic regulations and avoid reckless driving, especially during the yuletide period, to prevent further loss of lives.
