11 Feared Dead, Nine Injured in Christmas Day Auto Crash in Jigawa

A tragic road accident on Christmas Day has claimed the lives of at least 11 people and left nine others injured in Jigawa State, casting a dark shadow over what should have been a season of celebration.

Akahi News gathered that the fatal crash occurred on Thursday afternoon at Beguwa village along the Sankara Road in Ringim Local Government Area, as residents and travellers moved across the state for Christmas festivities.

What Happened at the Scene

According to eyewitness accounts, the accident occurred when a vehicle, reportedly travelling at high speed, lost control along the busy and narrow road before crashing violently.

Residents who witnessed the tragedy described the scene as chaotic and heartbreaking. One eyewitness, Malam Sani, told newsmen that the driver appeared to be driving recklessly and failed to slow down while approaching a bend near the village.

“The driver was on top speed despite the narrow and busy nature of the road. He did not slow down at all before the bend,” he reportedly said.

Another resident, Aisha Inuwa, explained that villagers rushed to the scene in panic as several passengers were trapped inside the wreckage.

“It was horrifying. Some died instantly, while others were trapped inside the vehicle. We struggled before we could pull them out,” she narrated.

Vehicle Condition Raises Fresh Concerns

Another eyewitness, Lawal Musa, reportedly noted that the vehicle appeared unfit for the road, adding that mechanical failure may have worsened the situation.

“The vehicle looked faulty, and it was moving at a very high speed. It’s a miracle that anyone survived at all,” he said.

Police Confirm Casualties, Launch Investigation

Confirming the incident, the Jigawa State Police Command described the accident as “very unfortunate.”

The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Shi’isu Adam, disclosed that 11 people lost their lives, while nine others — including the driver — sustained varying degrees of injuries and are currently receiving medical treatment.

According to Akahi News, the police said investigations are already underway to determine the exact cause of the crash.

“As soon as the driver recovers, he will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for proper interrogation and prosecution,” the police spokesperson said.

He added that the command would not hesitate to apply the full weight of the law in cases involving reckless or dangerous driving.

Police Issue Safety Warning

The police further urged motorists to exercise caution, particularly during festive periods when traffic volume increases significantly.

“Drivers must always prioritise safety. Many lives are lost unnecessarily during celebrations because of speeding and disregard for traffic rules,” the command warned.

Authorities also appealed to the public to remain calm and allow investigations to proceed without interference.

A Season Marked by Tragedy

The Jigawa crash comes amid a string of fatal road accidents recorded across the country during the Christmas period. Akahi News reports that earlier in the week, at least two persons also lost their lives in a diesel tanker explosion along the Badagry Expressway in Lagos State.

Road safety advocates have renewed calls for stricter enforcement of traffic laws, improved vehicle inspections, and sustained public awareness campaigns to reduce holiday-related fatalities.

As families mourn loved ones lost in the Jigawa tragedy, authorities face renewed pressure to strengthen road safety enforcement and ensure that reckless driving does not continue to claim innocent lives.

Akahi News will continue to monitor developments surrounding the investigation and provide updates as more details emerge.

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By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News
Joseph Iyaji is a journalist, educator, and founder of Akahi G. International, Akahi Tutors, and Akahi News. Read more about him here.

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