Tragic Accident on the Tage Bridge
Fourteen passengers were tragically killed in an auto crash in Jigawa State on Monday evening. The incident occurred when a Golf 3 wagon somersaulted and plunged into a river along the Tage Bridge in Kafin Hausa Local Government Area. The vehicle, with registration number GML 842 XA, was en route from Hadejia town to Makera village when the crash happened.
The bridge, reportedly in a state of disrepair since the last rainy season, contributed to the crash. Eyewitnesses described how the driver, traveling at high speed, failed to stop in time, leading to the vehicle’s loss of control.
Police Confirm Casualties
The Jigawa State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Shi’isu Lawan Adam, provided an update on the tragedy on Tuesday evening. He stated that the victims were immediately transported to Hadejia General Hospital, where all 14 passengers were pronounced dead by medical personnel.
“A doctor confirmed the deaths of eight women, two men, and four young men at the scene,” DSP Adam said. Remarkably, the driver survived the crash and is receiving treatment at the Hadejia General Hospital, though he remains unconscious.
Eyewitness Accounts and Bridge Concerns
Locals described the scene as horrifying, with bodies scattered around the area. Nahuru Bello, an eyewitness, attributed the crash to the poor condition of the Tage Bridge. He noted that the bridge had been in a state of neglect for months, causing vehicles to struggle while navigating the area.
“The driver couldn’t stop because the bridge was in such bad shape. The vehicle was moving too fast and plunged into the river after losing control,” Bello explained.
This tragedy has reignited discussions about the urgent need for road repairs in the state. Residents have been calling for government intervention for months, but no action has been taken to address the dangerous condition of the Tage Bridge.
Survivors and Investigation
The sole survivor of the crash, the driver, is currently hospitalized. Authorities hope he will recover enough to assist with the ongoing investigation. DSP Adam noted that a thorough inquiry is underway to determine the exact cause of the accident.
“We are appealing to the public to provide any information that could aid in the investigation. Our priority is to ensure that tragedies like this are prevented in the future,” Adam stated.
Road Safety Challenges in Jigawa State
This latest accident is part of a troubling trend of fatal crashes in Jigawa State. In November 2024, 10 lives were lost in a motor accident in Taura Local Government Area, while another incident in Gwaram Local Government Area claimed three lives and left 14 others injured.
Road safety in Jigawa remains a significant concern, with poor infrastructure, speeding, and reckless driving contributing to the high accident rates. Reports indicate that over 90% of road accidents in Nigeria are avoidable, often caused by a combination of human error and infrastructure failure.
Calls for Government Action
The deplorable state of the Tage Bridge has sparked outrage among residents and community leaders. Many have criticized the government for failing to address the bridge’s condition, despite repeated warnings and complaints.
“How many more lives must be lost before something is done? This bridge has been a disaster waiting to happen for years,” a community leader said.
The state government is now under pressure to act swiftly. Residents are demanding immediate repairs to the Tage Bridge and other critical road infrastructure across Jigawa to prevent further tragedies.
Mourning the Victims
The deaths of 14 individuals have left the community of Kafin Hausa in mourning. Tributes have poured in for the victims, with family members and friends expressing their grief over the loss of loved ones. Local leaders and community organizations are mobilizing support for the affected families, providing both emotional and material assistance during this difficult time.
The Way Forward
The tragedy on the Tage Bridge underscores the urgent need for improved road infrastructure and stricter enforcement of traffic laws in Jigawa State and across Nigeria. Authorities must prioritize road repairs and maintenance, ensuring that infrastructure is safe and reliable for all road users.
Additionally, there is a pressing need for public awareness campaigns on road safety, targeting both drivers and pedestrians. Education on the dangers of speeding and reckless driving could significantly reduce the number of accidents in the state.
As the investigation into this incident continues, residents hope that lessons will be learned and that measures will be implemented to prevent such a devastating loss of life in the future. For now, the community of Kafin Hausa mourns the lives cut short by this avoidable tragedy.
