By Nkechi Eze
A tragic road accident on the Kaduna-Kano Expressway has claimed the lives of 21 passengers, prompting a strong warning from the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) over the dangers of night travel, fatigue, and excessive speed.
The lone crash occurred on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at exactly 12:30 p.m. at Gadar Yankifi, involving a government-owned Coaster bus bearing registration number KN 041 A17. The vehicle was carrying 24 persons, all from Kano State, on what authorities have described as a long-distance night journey that may have contributed to the fatal outcome.
According to an official signed statement made available by the Corps Public Education Officer, Assistant Corps Marshal Olusegun Ogungbemide, the Corps Marshal of the FRSC, Shehu Mohammed, expressed deep sadness over the incident and extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased, as well as to the Government and people of Kano State.
Out of the 24 passengers on board comprising 23 adult males and one adult female 21 were confirmed dead at the scene, all adult males. The remaining five passengers, four men and one woman, sustained injuries and were rushed to the hospital for medical attention.
“This devastating incident serves as a poignant reminder of the need for collective responsibility in the fight against road crashes,” the Corps Marshal said. He noted that preliminary investigations suggest that the crash may have resulted from a combination of fatigue and excessive speed common risks associated with long night journeys.
While commiserating with the Kano State Governor, His Excellency Abba Kabir Yusuf, the Corps Marshal expressed solidarity with the state government in what he described as “a profound loss for Kano and for the nation at large.”
The Corps Marshal used the occasion to call on fleet operators and drivers across the country to adopt safe driving practices, particularly during night travel. “Night driving poses significant risks due to reduced visibility and the likelihood of fatigue. Fleet managers must take greater responsibility in ensuring their drivers are well-rested, alert, and comply with all traffic safety guidelines,” he stated.
He also urged all road users to strictly observe speed limits, maintain their vehicles regularly, and avoid behaviors that could lead to accidents. “The consequences of neglecting safety measures are often irreversible, as this tragic crash has sadly demonstrated,” he added.
The FRSC reiterated its commitment to its core mandate of promoting safety on Nigerian roads and reducing crash fatalities. The agency pledged to intensify monitoring, public awareness campaigns, and stakeholder engagement to prevent future occurrences of similar tragedies.
As investigations continue into the exact cause of the Kano crash, the FRSC emphasized that enforcement alone cannot curb road fatalities, highlighting the need for attitudinal change, public vigilance, and shared responsibility among all road users.
This incident, one of the deadliest single-vehicle crashes recorded in recent months, adds to the growing concern over road safety in Nigeria, particularly along major highways like the Kaduna-Kano corridor, which has witnessed a spate of serious accidents in recent years.
