Tragic Road Accident Claims Four Lives on Abuja-Kaduna Expressway
A devastating road accident has claimed the lives of four individuals, including two prospective National Youth Service Corps members, a commercial bus driver, and an infant, in Niger State. The tragic incident occurred on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, sending shockwaves through the community and highlighting ongoing road safety concerns.
Details of the Fatal Crash
The accident took place at approximately 6:50 am in the Tafa Local Government Area of Niger State. According to official reports, a commercial bus traveling from Lagos to Kano with 18 passengers on board crashed at Dadin-Kowa village along the busy Abuja-Kaduna Expressway.
Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the incident in a statement released on Thursday. The police spokesperson revealed that the driver reportedly lost control of the vehicle, causing the bus to veer off the road and plunge into a bridge.
Thirteen of the passengers were identified as prospective NYSC members who were deployed to various northern states including Kaduna, Bauchi, Gombe, Katsina, and Kano for their mandatory three-week orientation exercise.
Casualties and Rescue Operations
The fatal crash resulted in the deaths of two prospective corps members (one male and one female), the driver, and a baby belonging to one of the injured female corps members. The identity of the infant remains unknown at this time.
Emergency response teams, including police officers, quickly arrived at the scene to coordinate rescue efforts. The remaining 11 corps members were transported to Abuja by the NYSC director for medical treatment.
Five other passengers who sustained injuries were taken to Umar Yaradua Hospital in Tafa for immediate medical attention. Hospital authorities confirmed that four victims have been treated and discharged, while one remaining patient continues to respond to treatment.
Investigation and Ongoing Developments
CSP Hundeyin confirmed that investigations into the crash are ongoing to determine the exact cause of the accident. The tragedy has raised serious concerns about road safety along the Abuja-Kaduna Expressway, which serves as a major transportation route connecting northern and southern Nigeria.
The National Youth Service Corps scheme, which requires graduates to serve for one year in states other than their origin, frequently involves long-distance travel for participants heading to orientation camps. This incident highlights the risks faced by young Nigerians fulfilling their national service obligations.
As authorities continue their investigation, families of the victims are receiving support while the injured continue their recovery process. The NYSC management has yet to release an official statement regarding the incident, but is expected to provide updates on the condition of the injured corps members.
