Eight farmers tragically lost their lives in a horrific road accident on the Batati/Lanle Road in Niger State.
The deadly crash, which occurred around 8 pm on Monday, involved a head-on collision between a Toyota Corolla and a tanker trailer. Reports suggest the Toyota Corolla, speeding at the time, tried to overtake another vehicle but collided with an oncoming tanker en route to Lagos to load fuel.
The victims, all farmers who had recently relocated from Niger Zone B to Dasu village in Lavun Local Government Area due to insecurity, were crushed beyond recognition in the crash.
An eyewitness, who requested to remain anonymous, described the scene as horrifying. “It was a terrible sight. The victims, men of various ages, were crushed beyond recognition. Road Safety needs to take action against speeding and reckless overtaking on our roads,” the witness said.
Mohammed Sanusi, Assistant Commander of the Road Transport Employers’ Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), Kutigi Branch, confirmed the incident and expressed his sorrow over the victims’ condition. “I was shocked by what I saw. The bodies were in an appalling state. Tears ran uncontrollably down my face. May God forgive their shortcomings,” Sanusi lamented.
He also praised the efforts of personnel from the Federal Road Safety Corps, the Red Cross, and RTEAN for their assistance in evacuating the bodies.
The victims were laid to rest in Dasu village on Tuesday.
