Iliyasu Abdullahi bah
A devastating road accident claimed the lives of 12 individuals and left five others injured on Friday at Samawa village, located in Garun Malam Local Government Area of Kano State. The fatal crash occurred along the busy Kano-Zaria highway, involving an overloaded heavy truck with registration number DAF CF95, which was transporting both goods and passengers.
According to a statement issued by the Kano Sector Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the trailer, which was carrying a heavy load, lost control and veered off the road, leading to the tragic incident. The FRSC spokesperson, Abdullahi Labara, confirmed that out of the 19 people on board, 12 died instantly, five sustained degrees of injuries, and two escaped unharmed
Following the crash, emergency responders swiftly moved the injured victims to Kura General Hospital for medical treatment, while the bodies of the deceased were taken to the Nassarawa Hospital Mortuary in Kano metropolis.
While the exact cause of the accident is still under investigation, the FRSC has urged motorists, particularly long-distance drivers operating at night, to strictly adhere to road safety regulations to prevent such tragedies. Overloading, speeding, and poor vehicle maintenance are often contributing factors in such crashes.
This latest accident adds to a growing list of fatal crashes along the Kano-Zaria highway, particularly around Garun Malam LGA.
In July 2025, 21 people lost their lives in a horrific accident at Kasuwar Dogo, Dakatsalle within the same local government area.
In June 2025, no fewer than 22 Kano athletes and their instructors died near Kasuwa Kifi, close to Dakatsalle, while returning from Ogun State after representing Kano at the National Sports Festival. The cause of that crash remains undetermined.
The frequent road crashes in the Garun Malam axis have raised serious concerns about road safety measures, enforcement of traffic laws, and the need for improved highway infrastructure.
Stakeholders are calling for immediate government intervention, including better road signage, increased FRSC patrols, and stricter penalties for traffic violations to curb the rising death toll on this route.
As investigations continue, the FRSC has reiterated its appeal to drivers to avoid overloading, maintain safe speeds, and ensure their vehicles are roadworthy, especially when traveling at night.
This tragic incident serves as yet another grim reminder of the dangers on Nigerian highways and the urgent need for enhanced safety measures to protect road users.