A fatal road traffic crash involving multiple vehicles claimed 12 lives on Sunday, January 11, 2026, at Gada Biyu, along the Yangoji–Abuja corridor, at about 11:45a.m.
Three victims were also injured.
The crash was confirmed by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in a statement by the Corps Public Education Officer (CPEO), ACM Olusegun Ogungbemide.
ACM Ogungemide stated that FRSC operatives received the distress call at 11:47a.m. and arrived at the scene by 11:54a.m., recording a response time of seven minutes.
The crash involved four vehicles — a commercial trailer conveying coal, a commercial bus and two commercial cars, while 18 persons — eight adult males, four adult females, two male children, and 4 female children — were in the vehicles.
Five victims died instantly at the scene, while seven others, who were rescued and conveyed to the hospital, later succumbed to their injuries, bringing the total number of fatalities to 12.
Three other victims sustained injuries of varying severity, including bruises, cuts, fractures, and head injuries, and are currently receiving medical attention.
The Corps Public Education Officer said in the statement that preliminary investigations indicated that the incident could have been caused by speed violation and dangerous driving.
“Further information gathered indicated that the truck driver was driving at an excessive speed beyond the legally prescribed limit for the corridor, lost control, and crashed into already parked vehicles, triggering the fatal collision.
“The injured victims were promptly evacuated to Abaji General Hospital, while the deceased were released to their families for burial in line with established procedures.
“The Motor Traffic Division (MTD), Kwali, has taken over the investigation to determine further liabilities,” he stated.
In addition to rescue operations, the CPEO said that the FRSC facilitated the speedy removal of all obstructions caused by the crash, ensuring the prompt restoration of free traffic flow and preventing secondary crashes along the busy corridor.
Reacting to the incident, the Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps, Shehu Mohammed, commiserated with the families of the deceased and described the crash as both tragic and avoidable.
He cautioned motorists, particularly drivers of heavy duty vehicles against speeding and reckless driving, emphasising that strict adherence to speed limits and traffic regulations remains critical to saving lives.
The Corps Marshal reaffirmed FRSC’s commitment to sustained enforcement, public enlightenment, and collaboration with relevant stakeholders to reduce road traffic crashes and enhance safety on Nigerian roads.
