Seven persons have been confirmed dead, while five others sustained injuries in a fatal road crash that occurred on Saturday along the Bauchi–Maiduguri Federal Highway in Bauchi State.

The crash happened at Kajutu village on the Misau–Bauchi road and involved a commercial Galaxy Sharon minibus belonging to the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and a MAN Diesel tipper truck carrying sand.

The victims who lost their lives were identified as Garba Babaji, Alkali Galadima, Aliyu Samanja, Abba Abbo, Amadu Guruza, Rabiu Baura and Ibrahim Gucho Officer. They were all reported to be indigenes of Misau Local Government Area.

Confirming the incident, the Bauchi Sector Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) said the crash occurred at about 12:05 p.m. on Saturday and was reported two minutes later.

The FRSC said its personnel arrived at the scene within 15 minutes and attributed the crash to sign light violation (SLV) and dangerous driving (DGD) on a paved but rough section of the road.

According to the corps, 12 people were involved in the accident, comprising 10 adult males, one adult female and one male child.

It said seven adult males died in the crash, while five others—three adult males, one adult female and one male child—suffered varying degrees of injuries.

The Injured victims and the bodies of the deceased were evacuated to the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH), Bauchi, where the deaths were confirmed and the injured are receiving treatment.

The FRSC added that items recovered from the scene included six Android phones, five keypad phones, N34,250 in cash, three caps, one travelling bag and one wallet.

Reacting to the tragedy, former Senator representing Bauchi Central, Isah Hamman Misau, on his Facebook page described the incident as heartbreaking and extended his condolences to the bereaved families.

He noted that the victims were from Misau Local Government Area.

He wrote, “With deep sorrow and grief, I, Distinguished Sen. Isah Hamman Misau, extend my heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the tragic accident that occurred at the Bauchi junction.”

“Reports indicate that the deceased were indigenes of Misau Local Government Area, and their number has reached six.”

The former senator said the tragedy had thrown the community into mourning.

He said, “This tragic incident has deeply shaken all of us. The loss of lives is a painful one, especially when the victims are young people and family providers whose contributions are greatly needed by the community.”

“We pray that Almighty Allah forgives them all, fills their graves with His mercy, and grants them Aljannatul Firdaus as their final abode. May Allah grant their families, loved ones, and the entire people of Misau the strength and patience to bear this great loss.”

Misau also urged motorists and road users to comply with traffic regulations to prevent future accidents.

He added, “At this moment of grief, we call on the community to continue praying for the deceased and to observe road safety regulations in order to help prevent the occurrence of such tragic accidents in the future.”

“May Allah have mercy on those who have passed away and grant those left behind the patience to endure this great loss. Amen. Indeed, to Allah we belong and to Him we shall return.” (Nigerian Tribune)