Tragedy as eight family members perish in Kaduna road accident

A heartbreaking accident on the Kaduna-Zaria highway on Monday evening has claimed the lives of eight members of a single family, with two others critically injured and receiving treatment at a local hospital.

The tragic incident occurred around 6 p.m. in the Barakallahu area, during Eid-el-Kabir celebrations. Eyewitnesses reported that a speeding ash-coloured Mercedes GLK Jeep lost control and rammed into pedestrians who had gathered by the roadside after visiting their grandmother.

The vehicle was allegedly driven by a young boy from Rigachikun community, who fled the scene immediately after the crash. Unconfirmed reports suggest the boy’s father is a prominent political figure in the area.

Malam Jamilu Usman Mai Yadi, a resident of Sabon Gari, Tudun Wada, who lost eight family members in the incident, recounted his loss in an emotional interview.

“My wife, Khadija Umar, my two sons — Sadiq, 16, and Muhammad, 9 — her younger and elder sisters, and their aunt all died. In total, ten of my family members were hit; eight died, two are still in the hospital,” he said.

He added that the victims had been waiting by the roadside, hoping to get a ride home, when the car suddenly veered off the road and struck them.

“The driver must have been speeding. My wife’s leg was shattered beyond repair. Sadiq’s body was only returned later by Road Safety officials,” he said in anguish.

Among the victims was Zainab Muhammad, who was eight months pregnant with twins. Her husband, Sulaiman Abdulkadir Mai Shinkafa, a cleric from Hayin Rigasa, shared his heartbreak.

“We had already named the unborn twins Hassan and Hussaini. Our 6-year-old son, Khalid, was also hit. Her body was crushed, and my son’s bones were broken. We had to gather their remains with planks. No one should have to witness that,” he said, tearfully.

Grieving families expressed disappointment at the absence of both community leaders and government representatives.

“No one from the driver’s family, nor from the Kaduna State government, has come to sympathise with us. Not a single word,” said Mai Shinkafa. “Even the father of the boy has not appeared. It’s as if our lives mean nothing.”

The Kaduna Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Tijjani Iliyasu, confirmed the incident and blamed it on excessive speeding during heavy rainfall.

“The driver lost control due to overspeeding on a slippery road and rammed into pedestrians. Six people died at the scene, and others were rushed to the hospital,” he said.

He noted that the occupants of the vehicle fled under the cover of darkness and abandoned the car, making it difficult to immediately identify the driver.

“The vehicle has been handed over to the police for investigation, and we hope they trace the owner soon. Our main priority at the time was saving lives,” Iliyasu added.

The case has now been transferred to the Nigerian Police Force for further inquiry, while the affected families continue to mourn their loved ones amidst calls for justice and accountability.