Renowned security analyst and counterinsurgency expert, Zagazola Makama, has raised the alarm on a devastating road accident that occurred on Friday along the notorious Abuja–Kaduna highway, leaving several feared dead and many others critically injured.
Taking to his official X (formerly Twitter) handle, Zagazola shared details of the tragic incident, which took place shortly after Jere town, near Katari village—a notorious choke point due to ongoing roadworks and narrow lanes with no escape shoulders.
“The area is a narrow section of the road with no escape shoulder. Drivers need to exercise maximum patience,” a road user told Zagazola’s sources, highlighting the treacherous conditions that contributed to the catastrophe.
The crash, which involved multiple vehicles including commercial buses and private cars, reportedly occurred at a diversion point, where reckless overtaking and driver impatience have become all too common.
Although the exact number of casualties remains unconfirmed, eyewitnesses described the scene as “horrific and chaotic,” with mangled vehicles and bodies strewn across the tarmac. Emergency responders raced against time to evacuate the wounded and recover the dead, even as traffic backed up for several kilometers.
Authorities had in recent months introduced safety improvements at known danger spots along the corridor, particularly at diversion points. These measures were aimed at curbing the alarming rate of accidents, especially those involving articulated trucks. However, analysts and observers say the root problem persists—a lethal mix of driver recklessness, non-compliance with road safety protocols, and poor traffic management.
As investigations continue and official casualty figures are awaited, this latest tragedy once again throws a harsh spotlight on Nigeria’s deadly highways and the urgent need for sustained road safety enforcement.
PIONEER NEWS 