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It was a dark Monday morning for families across northern Nigeria after a trailer travelling from Kano to Lagos crashed along the Lapai–Lambata road in Niger State, killing at least 22 people and leaving 20 others injured.
The accident happened around 3am when the loaded vehicle, which was carrying both human passengers and cattle, lost control and crashed. According to eyewitnesses, the scene was filled with lifeless bodies, bleeding survivors and scattered belongings.
The passengers were said to be mostly from Zamfara State, travelling for commercial reasons. They were on their way to Lagos for business when the tragic incident happened. Many of them had no idea it would be their last journey.
Some victims died instantly. Others were rushed to nearby hospitals with injuries that included broken bones, deep cuts and head wounds. The crash left the road stained with blood and the sound of survivors’ cries filled the air.
Confirming the sad incident, the Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps in Niger State, Aishat Saadu, said the accident involved only one vehicle.
“It was a lone crash involving a trailer,” she said.
“Forty-two people were involved. Twenty-two were confirmed dead while twenty others suffered various injuries.”
She added that the injured were taken to FMC Lambata while the dead were moved to the General Hospital in Suleja.
It is not clear what caused the trailer to crash, but poor road conditions, overloading, and reckless driving have remained major causes of road accidents across Nigeria. Trailers carrying both cattle and human passengers have become common sights, especially for travellers who cannot afford standard transport.
This incident adds to the growing list of deadly crashes in the country. Families of the victims are now left in sorrow and confusion, hoping for answers and support.
Transportation in Nigeria, especially among low-income travellers, remains dangerous. The government is yet to create effective laws to stop this kind of movement where human beings and animals are packed into one vehicle like goods.
As investigations continue, many Nigerians are calling on the authorities to place a serious ban on mixed transportation of people and animals in open trailers. Others are begging the government to fix the roads and regulate long-distance travel.
For the families of the 22 dead, life will never remain the same. Their loved ones left home for business, not knowing they would never return.
May their souls rest in peace.
