At least 19 people, including five children, have died in a devastating road accident that occurred on Sunday along the Lokoja-Obajana highway in Kogi State. The crash, which happened around 4 p.m. at Gadabiu community in Lokoja Local Government Area, also left eight others with various injuries.

Mr. Kumar Tsukwam, the Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Kogi State, confirmed the incident to journalists on Monday in Lokoja, describing it as "tragic and preventable."

According to the FRSC commander, the accident involved a Toyota bus traveling from southern Nigeria to Abuja and an articulated truck coming from the opposite direction. The bus driver, reportedly speeding, attempted to overtake another vehicle when it collided head-on with the oncoming truck.

"It was a very unfortunate crash caused by speeding and wrongful overtaking," Tsukwam stated. "A total of 27 persons were involved—19 died on the spot while eight sustained varying degrees of injuries including fractures, dislocations, bruises, and fire burns."

Among the fatalities were five children who were burnt beyond recognition. Emergency responders, including FRSC and police personnel, evacuated the injured to Fisayo Hospital in Obajana for urgent medical attention.

The FRSC commander used the opportunity to warn motorists about the dangers of speeding and reckless driving. "The highways are not race tracks. We urge all road users to obey traffic regulations and drive responsibly. Lives are being lost needlessly due to impatience and carelessness behind the wheel," he emphasized.

The road safety agency has promised to conduct a full investigation into the incident. Meanwhile, efforts are underway to identify the victims and contact their families.

This tragic incident adds to the growing concerns about road safety on Nigerian highways, particularly along the busy Lokoja-Obajana corridor, which has witnessed several fatal accidents in recent years.