A lone accident that occurred in Shuwarin town, Kiyawa Local Government Area of Jigawa State, on Monday, left a trail of destruction and loss of lives.
The accident involved a motor vehicle, DAF with registration number NGU 498 XA, driven by 34-year-old Mohd Hassan from Potiskum LGA, Yobe State.
An eyewitness account informed Arewa PUNCH that the vehicle which was traveling from Yobe State to Enugu State was loaded with 100 donkeys and passengers on board.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Jigawa State Command, ASP Shiisu Lawan Adam said, “Tragically, the driver lost control of the vehicle and it fell down, resulting in the loss of two precious lives – Innani Abubakar, a 45-year-old female, and Kalifa Adamu, a 30-year-old male, both from Potiskum.”
He confirmed that, the driver, Mohd Hassan, who also sustained severe injuries, including the loss of his left hand was rushed to the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital in Jigawa’s neighbouring state of Kano, for treatment.
The Command’s Spokesperson also said, “Unfortunately, the incident happened on the market’s day of the town and about 40 donkeys being conveyed in the involved trailer in the accident also died on the spot.
ASP Adam explained that while the cause of the accident is still under investigation but preliminary evidence shows that speeding may have been a contributing factor.
As the investigation into the accident continues, the police have assured that measures will be taken to prevent similar accidents in the future.
However, the Jigawa Police Command has urged motorists to exercise caution and adhere to traffic regulations to prevent such tragedies.
Our correspondent who visited the community reports that the residents have been mourning the losses occasioned by the accident.
Also lamenting the incident, Faruk Garba, another eyewitness revealed that it was very painful that such an accident happened in the area, especially, on Monday which is the market day of the town.
A community head, Malam Auwal Danbaba said that the driver may have lost control as he approached the market’s junction area.
“I Just heard the loud sound from my back. I was in shock and grief as I witnessed what just happened and all could muster to say was innalillahi wa’inna’ilaihi raji’un, when I turned back to see what just happened after seeing the trailer turn upside down.”
Malam Danbaba also said that “the incident underscored the importance of road safety measures, such as education and awareness campaigns, strict law enforcement, and improved infrastructure in the area because this is not the first time such a similar incident happened in the area.” (PUNCH)
