A fatal road crash in Damagum, Fune Local Government Area of Yobe State, has claimed one life and left six others hospitalised, the state Police Command has said.
Police Public Relations Officer, SP Dungus Abdulkarim, confirmed the incident in a statement issued on Wednesday.
He said the accident involved a trailer with registration number MUS 791 XH, travelling from Damaturu to Lagos.
“Preliminary investigation revealed that upon reaching a point within Damagum town, the driver lost control of the vehicle and rammed into a Mitsubishi Canter in motion ahead of him, with eighteen occupants, bearing registration number AA 641 PKM, driven by Usman Muhammad 40, of Yaskawel Village.
“As a result, several passengers sustained varying degrees of injuries, while one Dahiru Maikudi, 40, of Yaskawel, was medically examined and certified dead at the General Hospital, Damagum.
Six victims were later referred to the Teaching Hospital for further medical attention”, the PPRO said.
SP Abdulkarim added that the crash triggered a protest by aggrieved youths who decried what they described as recurring accidents along the highway, which they claim have resulted in multiple deaths over time.
“Police operatives immediately moved in and peacefully dispersed the crowd to prevent criminal elements from exploiting the situation”, he added.
Commissioner of Police, Emmanuel Ado, commiserated with the family of the deceased and sympathised with the injured.
He directed the Divisional Police Officer to work with local authorities to devise lasting measures to curb similar incidents.
He warned motorists against reckless driving, stressing the need to obey traffic regulations, reduce speed and exercise caution when approaching busy areas.
He further advised residents to desist from conducting market activities close to highways to minimise the risk of accidents.