Tragedy on Lokoja–Okene Highway: 16 Killed as Commercial Bus Plunges Off Bridge in Kogi

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At least 16 people have been confirmed dead after a commercial bus plunged off a bridge along the Lokoja–Okene highway in Kogi State, in a tragic accident that has once again highlighted the dangers on one of Nigeria’s busiest roads.

The fatal crash occurred at about 9:20 a.m. on Friday at Aku village near Osara, along the Lokoja–Okene route, according to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).

The vehicle involved was a white Toyota Hiace commercial bus with registration number BUS 17 ZD. The bus, which was travelling from Jos, reportedly lost control at high speed, veered off the road and crashed beneath a bridge.

Kogi State FRSC Sector Commander, Lawal Fagge, said 22 passengers were on board the vehicle, comprising 21 male adults and one female adult.

According to him, 16 passengers — 15 men and one woman — died at the scene of the crash, while six male passengers sustained varying degrees of injuries, including bruises and head trauma.

The injured victims were immediately evacuated to nearby hospitals for urgent medical treatment.

Preliminary investigations by the FRSC indicate that excessive speeding and driver fatigue were the major causes of the accident. Officials said the driver appeared to have lost control of the vehicle after travelling for a long distance without adequate rest.

The Lokoja–Okene highway remains one of Nigeria’s most critical transport corridors, linking the northern and southern parts of the country. However, it has also gained notoriety for frequent fatal accidents caused by reckless driving, over-speeding, and poor adherence to traffic regulations.

Road safety advocates have repeatedly called for stricter enforcement of speed limits, improved driver education, and better monitoring of commercial transport operators to reduce the rising number of road traffic deaths across the country.

The latest tragedy adds to the growing list of deadly crashes recorded on Nigerian highways in recent months despite ongoing awareness campaigns by the FRSC.

The commission has again urged motorists to avoid speeding, ensure their vehicles are roadworthy, and take adequate rest before embarking on long-distance journeys.

Families of the victims are being contacted as authorities continue rescue and identification efforts.

This is a developing story.