By Nnamdi Okosieme
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), has confirmed multiple vehicle road traffic crash, which killed twelve people on Sunday, 11 January 2026, at Gada Biyu, along the Yangoji–Abuja Corridor.
The crash involved four vehicles-a commercial trailer conveying coal, a commercial bus, and two commercial vehicles, a statement from Olusegun Ogungbemide, Assistant Corps Marshal, Corps Public Education Officer, Federal Road Safety Corps said in a statement on Monday.
Preliminary investigations according to FRSC revealed that the incident may have been caused by speed violation and dangerous driving leading to loss of control. Further information 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.
According to the statement, a total of 18 persons were involved in the crash, comprising eight adult males, four adult females, two male children, and four female children. 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 twelve.
“Meanwhile, three other victims sustained injuries of varying severity, including bruises, cuts, fractures, and head injuries, and are currently receiving medical attention”, the statement noted.
According to the statement FRSC operatives received the distress call at 11:47 am and arrived at the scene seven minutes later. 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.
In addition to rescue operations, 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.
