Residents of Jigawa State are expressing concern over a recent surge in road traffic accidents, which have claimed at least 38 lives within a four-day period. The accidents, which occurred in the Ringim and Dutse local government areas, have left dozens dead and several others injured, with properties worth millions of Naira destroyed.
According to reports, 11 people lost their lives, and 12 others sustained injuries in a crash along the Ringim–Sankara–Beguwa Road, involving a Volkswagen Golf that was conveying 23 passengers. Preliminary investigations by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) attribute the crash to overloading and excessive speeding, which resulted in a tyre burst and loss of control.
In a separate incident, a trailer conveying sand collided with two Gulf vehicles transporting passengers to a wedding ceremony along the Kwanar Huguna–Dutse Municipal road, claiming 22 lives. Several others sustained injuries in the incident, which was confirmed by the police.
In another accident, five members of a family were killed in a lone accident at Bandawa village in Ringim LGA, when a vehicle veered off the road while trying to avoid a goat and hit a tree. Two other occupants survived with injuries and are receiving medical attention.
Residents have described the frequency of the accidents as alarming and unacceptable, citing human factors such as reckless driving, speeding, and overloading of passengers and goods as the major causes of the deadly crashes. They note that the state is blessed with relatively good roads, but the tragedies continue despite the improved road infrastructure.
The residents are calling for the revival of stricter transport policies introduced by former Governor Sule Lamido, which restricted commercial drivers to four passengers. They believe that the policy, if enforced, would deter drivers from overloading their vehicles and reduce casualties. They have also appealed to the FRSC, police, and other relevant agencies to intensify enforcement of traffic laws and punish violators.
The state government has been urged to take immediate action to address the rising spate of road traffic accidents, which have become a major concern for residents. With the growing number of casualties, it is essential for the authorities to take a proactive approach to preventing such incidents and ensuring the safety of road users.