By Ismail Auwal
Fifteen people have died on the Kaduna-Abuja road in the last 72 hours, in road traffic crashes caused by driving in the opposite direction to oncoming traffic.
This information was presented in a research feedback to the Kaduna State Government by the military and security agencies conducting security operations along the route.
According to Kaduna State Commissioner, Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs Samuel Aruwan, the figure was presented along with a report of the latest crash, which occurred on the early hours of Sunday around the Greenfield University in Chikun Local Government.
The crash involved a trailer conveying grains and motorcycles to Abuja and was caused by a combination of speeding and driving against the direction of traffic. These caused the trailer to veer off the pavement and tip over on its side, as seen in the pictures attached.
Seven persons died in the crash, with five injured, who are now receiving treatment in hospital. Troops and security agencies helped clear the site and ensure the normal flow of traffic.
Several other fatal accidents have occurred recently along the route, all caused by drivers switching lanes to drive against the normal flow of traffic, usually leading to head-on collisions with oncoming vehicles.
On Saturday morning, two lives were lost in such a crash around Olam Farms. Two days before that, four persons died in another crash close to the NYSC camp. A similar crash occurred last Wednesday, January 20th 2021.
Governor Nasir El-Rufai expressed dismay at the report, and commiserated with the families of the deceased, while wishing the injured quick recovery.
