The Benue State Command of the Nigerian Police Force has confirmed a tragic accident in Okete Village, Otukpo Local Government Area, where a truck veered into a residential compound, killing nine members of a family.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), CSP Sewuese Anene, disclosed the incident to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Makurdi.

According to Anene, the unfortunate event occurred in the early hours of Thursday. She assured the public that the command has launched a thorough investigation into the incident and promised to provide additional updates as soon as they become available.

The community has been left in shock and mourning following the devastating loss of life.

No fewer than six people lost their lives, and 60 others sustained injuries in a road accident in Lokoja, the capital of Kogi State.

The tragic incident occurred around 3 pm on Tuesday near the Zone 8 Roundabout along Hassan Katsina Road, Lokoja. According to reports, an articulated truck traveling from Bauchi to Enugu State lost control, resulting in the devastating crash.

“The remains of the six deceased have been deposited at the Federal University Teaching Hospital mortuary,” stated Samuel Oyedeji, the State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).

A local resident, who requested anonymity, described chaotic scenes as first responders worked tirelessly to manage the aftermath of the accident. “It was a horrific sight. People were trapped, and it took hours to clear the scene,” the resident recounted.

Commander Oyedeji called on drivers to exercise greater caution, particularly when operating heavy-duty vehicles. He also urged the government to intensify efforts to address road infrastructure challenges and enforce traffic regulations.

“As investigations into the cause of the accident continue, Nigerians are reminded of their shared responsibility to ensure safer roads for all,” he added.

This incident comes months after a similar tragedy in the state. On April 1, 2024, 13 people lost their lives, and two were injured in an auto crash involving a commercial Sharon bus and an articulated cement truck. The accident occurred near Obajana Market along the Obajana-Lokoja Road in Lokoja Local Government Area.

According to Oyedeji, the Sharon bus had stopped behind a truck near the market to allow passengers to make purchases when the cement truck, due to brake failure, rammed into it from behind.

The FRSC continues to advocate for stricter adherence to road safety measures to prevent such devastating incidents in the future.

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has formally presented the staff of office to the new Alaafin of Oyo, Abimbola Akeem Owoade. The presentation, which officially recognizes the new monarch’s reign, took place on Monday morning at the Exco Chamber of the Governor’s Office in Ibadan, the state capital.

This significant event came nearly three years after the passing of the former Alaafin, Lamidi Adeyemi III.

The presentation ceremony took place amid ongoing discussions and debates surrounding the selection of the new Alaafin, which had been announced by the governor just the previous week. According to the state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, Owoade was chosen after careful consultations and divinations. The Oyomesi recommended him, and his selection was subsequently approved by the governor.

Oyelade noted that the announcement effectively put an end to the legal and social disagreements that had arisen following the death of Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III on April 22, 2022. He also called on all citizens of Oyo State to join in celebrating the occasion and offer their support to the new Alaafin.