FRSC Confirms 16 Dead in Fatal Okene–Lokoja Road Crash, Warns Against Fatigue Driving

Oru Leonard 

The Federal Road Safety Corps has confirmed a fatal lone road traffic crash involving a Toyota Hiace commercial bus along the Okene–Lokoja road in Kogi State, leaving 16 persons dead and six others injured.

According to the Corps, the tragic incident occurred at about 9:20 a.m. on Friday, 8 May 2026, at the Aku community axis of the highway. The crash, involving a Toyota Hiace bus with registration number BUU 17 ZD, was reported to the FRSC five minutes later.

Rescue personnel from the RS8.34 Zariagi Unit Command reportedly arrived at the scene within 15 minutes and immediately commenced rescue operations.

Preliminary findings by the FRSC indicated that driver fatigue was the probable cause of the crash, which led to loss of control of the vehicle.

The Corps disclosed that 22 persons were involved in the accident, comprising 21 male adults and one female adult. Out of the number, 16 persons — 15 male adults and one female adult — lost their lives, while six male adults sustained varying degrees of injuries, including bruises and head injuries.

The injured victims were evacuated to Specialist Hospital Lokoja and Osara Hospital for treatment, while the remains of the deceased were deposited at Hankuri Mortuary in Lokoja.

Reacting to the incident, the Corps Marshal of the FRSC, Shehu Mohammed, expressed condolences to the families of the victims and wished the injured speedy recovery.

He also warned motorists, especially commercial drivers, against fatigue-induced driving, excessive speeding, and unsafe night journeys.

The Corps Marshal stressed the importance of adequate rest before embarking on long-distance trips, noting that fatigue reduces concentration and reaction time, thereby increasing the likelihood of fatal crashes.

The statement was signed by the Corps Public Education Officer, Osondu Ohaeri, on behalf of the FRSC Headquarters, Abuja.