Keffi-Abuja Highway Crash Claims Seven Lives as FRSC Orders Probe

Auto crash along  Keffi–Abuja Highway at Angwan Jarmi, has claimed the lives of seven persons as Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) orders for Probe of the incident.

The Corps Marshal, Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and prays for the peaceful repose of their souls.

In a statement by Olusegun Ogungbemide, Assistant Corps Marshal, Corps Public Education Officer of the Federal Road Safety Corps, the Corps Marshal described the incident as painful and devastating, noting that no loss of life on the nation’s highways is acceptable.

“Preliminary reports indicate that the crash involved a lone vehicle suspected to have been driven at excessive speed, leading to loss of control and a collision after veering into the opposite lane.  Rescue teams of the Federal Road Safety Corps were promptly mobilised upon receiving distress alerts.

“However, on arrival at the scene, personnel encountered heightened tension among some members of the public, including commercial motorcycle operators, which unfortunately escalated into a mob attack on the Keffi Unit Command”, said the statement.

The Corps acknowledged the depth of public emotion that often follows fatal road crashes.

FRSC noted that while initial findings suggest speeding and loss of control as likely causes, the Corps Marshal has ordered a comprehensive and transparent investigation into all circumstances surrounding the crash, including allegations of possible patrol-related factors.

“The Corps will not be hasty in apportioning blame nor dismissive of public concerns. Any personnel found to have acted outside established operational standards will be held accountable in line with the Corps’ regulations.

“The Corps Marshal also commended the Nigeria Police Force and the Army for their swift intervention and timely reinforcement, which helped to restore calm and prevent further breakdown of law and order. Their professionalism and prompt response were instrumental in stabilizing the situation and safeguarding lives and property.

The Corps assured its commitment to professionalism, restraint, and continuous engagement with communities to foster mutual trust.

“We appeal for calm and urge members of the public to allow due process to take its course. Violence against rescue and enforcement personnel only undermines collective efforts to safeguard lives on our highways”, it added.

The Federal Road Safety Corps reassured Nigerians of its dedication to road safety, fairness, and transparency, adding that as investigations proceed, the Corps would continue to work with relevant stakeholders to ensure that such tragedies are prevented and that public confidence remains strengthened.