President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed concerns over the spate of road accidents in the country.

“The frequency of road accidents is particularly worrisome and it calls for greater reflection on the importance of safety standards,” Mr Buhari said according to a statement by his media aide, Garba Shehu.

The president said this while sending his condolences to the government of Kano State over the death of 19 passengers who met their tragic fate on Thursday in a road accident that occurred on the Kano – Zaria road.

He said, “I’m devastated and saddened by this unfortunate tragedy that claimed the lives of passengers who happily left their homes without any idea that it was going to be their last day on earth.

“I understand that the accident was blamed on over-speeding and this account worries me deeply,” Mr Buhari said.

The president, however, said it was sad that drivers in Nigeria fail to adhere to safety standards, thereby endangering passengers’ lives.

“Our drivers should take safety regulations seriously; they have the responsibility to protect their passengers.

“It’s unfortunate that ours is a country where, despite regular public enlightenment programmes by road safety officials, our recalcitrant drivers treat the issue with indifference.’’

(NAN)