A tragic road accident has struck along the Makurdi–Yelewata highway, as a passenger bus reportedly somersaulted several times before veering into the bush on Wednesday morning, leaving yet-to-be-determined casualties.
The ill-fated bus, which departed Makurdi en route to Yelewata, was said to have lost control just a few kilometers before its destination. Eyewitnesses described the scene as “ghastly,” with passengers trapped in the wreckage and others thrown onto the roadside.
Shocked bystanders immediately raised alarm, urging residents to quickly contact relatives who may have boarded vehicles from Makurdi earlier today.
In a twist that has sparked outrage, one of the first responders revealed that officials at the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) office in Yelewata allegedly declined to mobilize rescue efforts, claiming the crash site was outside their jurisdiction. Instead, the man was directed to lodge the report at the Daudu unit, several kilometers away.
As of press time, the actual number of victims remains unclear, and emergency response has been slow in reaching the scene. Rescue operations are still ongoing, with hopes that survivors will be pulled out in time.
The Makurdi–Yelewata axis, a major link road in Benue State, has long been notorious for accidents, with residents repeatedly calling on authorities to improve safety measures and emergency response readiness.
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