Six People killed, 13 Injured in Kogi Road Crash

By Tgnews Reporter

Six persons living with disabilities (PWDs) were killed and 13 others seriously injured in a fatal road traffic crash along the Lokoja–Okene highway on Wednesday, barely hours after participating in the 2025 International Day of Persons with Disabilities celebration in Lokoja.

The victims, members of various disability clusters in the state, had attended the official state event held at Government House, Lokoja, before boarding a vehicle that was involved in the accident shortly after departing the state capital.

Eyewitnesses said the crash occurred when the bus conveying the group reportedly suffered a burst tyre, veered off the road and somersaulted several times. Emergency responders rushed to the scene and conveyed the victims to hospitals in Lokoja and nearby communities.

The Kogi State Government has declared the incident a “state tragedy” and placed the entire medical burden of the 13 survivors on the state.

In a statement issued Wednesday evening, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, described the crash as “heartbreaking and devastating.”

“This tragedy has brought profound sorrow to the Government and people of Kogi State,” Fanwo said. “We mourn deeply with the families of the deceased and extend our heartfelt condolences during this painful and devastating moment. The loss of any Kogite is a loss to us all.”

He confirmed that Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has directed that the state government assume full responsibility for the treatment and rehabilitation of all injured victims until they make full recovery.

“Government officials have been deployed to the various hospitals where the survivors are receiving treatment to ensure they get the best medical care and all necessary support,” the commissioner added.

The state government has also appealed for prayers for the repose of the souls of the six deceased victims and for the speedy recovery of those receiving treatment.

As of the time of filing this report, the Kogi State Police Command and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) were yet to release an official statement on the circumstances surrounding the crash, but investigations are ongoing.

The incident has cast a dark shadow over this year’s International Day of Persons with Disabilities celebrations in Kogi State, with many residents and disability rights advocates expressing shock and grief over the tragic loss.