In a tragic incident, five police officers have lost their lives in a road crash while returning from election duty in Edo State.
The accident occurred on the Kano-Zaria Road, near Karfi Village.
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Kano confirmed the incident early on September 25, 2024.
According to FRSC spokesperson Abdullahi Labaran, ten other individuals were injured in the crash.
Preliminary investigations revealed that excessive speeding caused the driver to lose control of the bus.
The vehicle crashed into a stationary trailer, leading to the fatalities.
FRSC Sector Commander Ahmed Mohammed has warned drivers about the dangers of speeding and other traffic violations.
“It is important to follow traffic rules to prevent further tragedies on our roads,” he stated.
Kano State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Salman Garba, also confirmed the deaths.
He noted that the officers were from the Kano State Police Command, sent to Edo for election duties.
“They performed their duties successfully but lost their lives on the way back,” CP Garba said.
The crash has left a sombre mood in the police community.
CP Garba described the accident as “melancholic.”
He offered prayers for the families of the deceased and the injured.
“Yes, it is unfortunate we lost five of our officers to a fatal accident,” he said.
The police commissioner further confirmed that about eight individuals, including the trailer driver, are receiving medical care in a Kano hospital.
The identities of the deceased officers have not yet been disclosed.
This tragic event has raised questions about road safety during the busy election period.
Election duties often require officers to travel long distances, increasing their risk on the roads.
Many police officers work tirelessly to ensure free and fair elections across Nigeria.
The loss of these officers is a stark reminder of the dangers they face while serving the nation.
The FRSC has reiterated the importance of safe driving practices.
They urge all drivers to remain vigilant and adhere to traffic laws.
Speeding, overloading, and reckless driving can lead to tragic outcomes.
The FRSC’s warning is timely as many drivers are often in a hurry, especially after major events like elections.
Accidents during this time are not uncommon, raising concerns about road safety measures.
CP Garba has assured that the police command will ensure the wounded receive proper treatment.
“We are taking measures to support the families affected by this tragedy,” he confirmed.
This accident adds to the list of road crashes that have claimed lives in Nigeria.
Road safety remains a significant issue in the country, with many accidents caused by reckless driving and poor vehicle maintenance.
As the nation reflects on this tragedy, calls for improved road safety measures are growing louder.
“It’s time we put serious measures in place to ensure drivers are safe on the roads,” said a community leader.
The loss of these five policemen serves as a wake-up call for authorities to address road safety effectively.
Families of the deceased are left in mourning, grappling with the sudden loss of their loved ones.
The police community is also mourning the loss of these brave officers who dedicated their lives to serving the public.
As the investigation into the crash continues, many hope for changes that will prevent such tragedies in the future.
