Eight persons died while three others were injured in a road traffic crash along the Potiskum–Dogon Kuka carriageway in Yobe.

The Yobe sector commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Andrew Longkam, confirmed the incident on Thursday.

He said the crash occurred around Gaggaba on the Potiskum–Dogon Kuka axis at about 12:40 hours.

“Preliminary reports from Dogon Kuka Unit Command show the incident was promptly reported to the corps,” Mr Longkam said.

FRSC operatives arrived within five minutes, enabling swift rescue, evacuation of victims, traffic control, road clearance and prevention of secondary crashes.

The crash involved a white Howo trailer, registration DAL 963YY, and a white Mitsubishi Canter, registration NNR 437XA.

“Twelve adult males were involved, with eight fatalities and four rescued, including three injured and one unhurt,” he said.

The injured and deceased were taken to Government General Hospital, Dogon Kuka, where the injured received prompt medical attention.

Mr Longkam said the FRSC tow truck cleared the obstruction, restored traffic flow and notified the Police Motor Traffic Division in Dogon Kuka.

“Preliminary findings indicate the Mitsubishi Canter, suspected to excessive speeding, committed a route violation and crashed into the trailer,” he said.

He said excessive speed and route violation were suspected causes, adding that investigations were ongoing to determine the exact circumstances.

The sector commander urged motorists to avoid speeding, route violations and unsafe practices, assuring continued enforcement, emergency response and public education across the state. 

(NAN)