The Kogi State Government has expressed profound grief over the devastating road accident in Okunchi Ward, Adavi Local Government Area, pledging its unwavering support to the grieving families and the wider community.
Representing Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, a high-level delegation led by Alhaji Ahmed Tijani Oricha, the State Project Coordinator for the Kogi AGILE Project, visited the site to evaluate the damage and offer formal condolences.
The catastrophe was triggered by a high-impact collision between a diesel tanker and a BUA Cement truck, which ignited an intense firestorm. The resulting blaze consumed both heavy-duty vehicles and spread to nearby buildings, leaving the tanker’s occupants burnt beyond recognition. While a local mosque and a residence were caught in the path of the flames and destroyed, no one inside those specific structures was harmed.
Adding to the tragedy, a husband and wife traveling on a motorcycle were caught in the resulting diesel spill. The husband lost his life at the scene after losing control of the bike, while his wife was rushed to the hospital with severe injuries.
At the crash site, the delegation was met by the ward councillor and other local officials. These community leaders praised the state’s rapid intervention, specifically noting that the quick dispatch of heavy machinery to clear the wreckage and manage the scene was crucial. They also observed that current road improvement projects in the vicinity likely prevented an even larger loss of life.
During his address, Oricha characterized the event as a heartbreaking blow to both the immediate families and the state at large. He reiterated the governor’s promise to prioritize road upgrades and enforce stricter safety protocols to ensure such a disaster does not happen again.
The government team also made a stop at the hospital to check on the survivors. It was confirmed there that the driver of the cement truck, who had been fighting for his life, eventually succumbed to his injuries. His co-driver, however, survived and is being treated for injuries sustained during the rescue. The delegation also spent time with the injured widow of the motorcyclist as she continues her recovery.