At least ten people have been confirmed dead following a tragic road accident on the Jos–Bauchi Road in Plateau State in the early hours of Tuesday, December 23. The crash, which involved four vehicles, including two trailers and two Ford Galaxy minibuses, occurred around 12:12 a.m., leaving several victims trapped at the scene.
Eyewitnesses described the collision as severe, noting that the impact was strong enough to crush parts of the vehicles. Rescue teams quickly arrived at the scene, and injured victims were taken to nearby hospitals for urgent medical attention.
The Public Education Officer of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Plateau State, Mr. Peter Longsan, confirmed that all those who died in the crash were adult males. “Ten adult men lost their lives in the crash,” Longsan said.
An official statement by the FRSC revealed that the accident happened shortly after a military checkpoint on the outskirts of Jos, the state capital. The crash involved 19 people in total, including 17 men and two women. Ten men died instantly at the scene, while the remaining nine victims were rushed to hospitals, including the General Hospital in Miango, Jos University Teaching Hospital, and Plateau State Specialist Hospital.
Eight of the deceased were deposited at the morgues of Plateau State Specialist Hospital and Bingham University Teaching Hospital. Two of the bodies were claimed by officials of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) for burial.
The rescue operation was conducted jointly by personnel of the FRSC, the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Military, and members of the local community. Their prompt response was praised by the FRSC, highlighting the importance of community cooperation during emergencies.
Preliminary investigations by the FRSC indicate that speeding and reckless driving were major factors in the crash. “Preliminary investigation revealed that speed and reckless driving, which led to loss of control, were the major contributory factors,” the agency stated.
Corps Commander Olajide Mogaji, Sector Commander of the FRSC in Plateau State, expressed deep concern over the accident, particularly because it comes barely 12 days after another tragic incident that claimed the lives of eight students of the University of Jos. He urged motorists to take road safety seriously.
“Mogaji appealed to drivers to avoid night journeys, excessive speeding, and other dangerous driving practices,” the FRSC said. He also warned against driving under the influence of alcohol, driving while sick, or when fatigued, stressing that such behaviors often lead to fatal road crashes.
The Jos–Bauchi Road is one of the major highways in Northern Nigeria, linking Plateau State with Bauchi State. The road has been the site of several fatal accidents over the years, particularly at night or during periods of heavy traffic. Road users often cite speeding, poor road conditions, and reckless driving as common causes of accidents along this route.
In response to this latest tragedy, local authorities and road safety agencies are calling for increased vigilance by drivers and more proactive measures to prevent accidents. The FRSC has advised members of the public to report emergencies through its toll-free number 122. “Members of the public are advised to contact the FRSC through its toll-free emergency number 122 to report crashes and other road emergencies,” the statement added.
Many residents in Plateau State have expressed grief and concern over the frequency of fatal accidents in the state. Some local drivers noted that night journeys on highways like Jos–Bauchi are particularly risky due to poor street lighting, long stretches without mobile network coverage, and fatigued drivers.
Community members also played a critical role in assisting emergency responders. Several eyewitnesses recounted how locals helped to rescue trapped passengers and clear the road for ambulances and police vehicles. The cooperation of local residents in such incidents often makes the difference between life and death for injured victims.
The FRSC has continued to emphasize that road safety is a shared responsibility. Drivers are urged to respect traffic rules, maintain vehicles properly, avoid speeding, and ensure they are physically and mentally fit before embarking on long journeys.
This accident is the latest in a series of road tragedies in Plateau State. Just earlier this month, eight students from the University of Jos lost their lives in a separate crash. Such recurring incidents have intensified calls for stricter enforcement of traffic laws and greater public awareness about safe driving practices.
Authorities have promised a thorough investigation into the crash, with the aim of preventing similar incidents in the future. The FRSC, alongside the Nigeria Police Force and the military, continues to patrol major highways, particularly during the festive season when road traffic tends to increase significantly.
Family members of the victims have begun making arrangements for burial, with the support of the National Union of Road Transport Workers. The loss has left many communities in Plateau State mourning, as the fatalities represent not just numbers but fathers, brothers, and community members whose absence will be deeply felt.
The FRSC reiterates that road safety is not just the responsibility of drivers but of all road users, including passengers and pedestrians. Prompt reporting of crashes, responsible driving, and strict adherence to traffic regulations can significantly reduce the number of road fatalities in Nigeria.