A tragic road accident on the Yola–Song Highway in Adamawa State has claimed the lives of at least six people, including four members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and a Nigerian Army officer.
The fatal crash occurred on Wednesday near Barikin-Sajo when a military gun-truck conveying soldiers collided head-on with a commercial Hummer bus travelling from Kano to Mubi.
According to eyewitness accounts, the military vehicle was allegedly attempting to overtake another vehicle along a bend when it veered into the path of the oncoming bus. The impact triggered a massive fire that engulfed the commercial vehicle, trapping passengers inside.
Witnesses described the scene as horrific, with both vehicles consumed by flames moments after the collision.
Some eyewitnesses claimed that as many as 10 people lost their lives in the accident, including several soldiers. However, official reports from authorities confirmed six fatalities.
Speaking on the incident, the spokesperson of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Abdulrahman Tukur, said emergency responders and security personnel swiftly arrived at the scene to evacuate victims and clear the wreckage from the highway.
The Adamawa State Police Command also confirmed the accident. Police Public Relations Officer, SP Suleiman Nguro, disclosed that four NYSC members, one soldier and another passenger were among those killed.
“Tragically, all five passengers aboard the Hummer bus were burnt to death after the vehicle caught fire following the collision. Preliminary identification indicates that four of the deceased were serving NYSC members posted to Adamawa State,” he said.
The identities of the victims have yet to be officially released as authorities continue efforts to notify their families.
Road safety experts have repeatedly warned against dangerous overtaking, especially on bends and blind spots, describing the practice as one of the leading causes of fatal head-on collisions on Nigerian highways.
Despite ongoing public awareness campaigns by the FRSC, accidents involving commercial vehicles, heavy-duty trucks and security convoys continue to pose a major threat to road users across the country.
The latest tragedy has once again highlighted the devastating consequences of reckless driving and excessive speeding on Nigeria’s roads.
