Suleja, Niger State – August 5, 2025 – At least 22 people have died and 20 others sustained injuries in a devastating lorry crash that occurred in the early hours of Monday along the Suleja–Lapai highway in Niger State.
The accident happened at about 3:40 a.m. when a heavily loaded lorry transporting passengers and goods from Kano to Lagos lost control and veered off the road. The vehicle, carrying 42 male passengers in addition to cargo, crashed with such force that it was left mangled, with bodies strewn across the roadside, according to eyewitness accounts.
Confirming the incident, the Niger State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Aisha Saadu, described the crash as “a deeply unfortunate tragedy caused by overloading and poor travel conditions.” She said 22 individuals were confirmed dead on the spot, while the 20 injured were rushed to the Federal Medical Centre in Lambatta.
Rescue operations were swiftly mobilized by FRSC units from Lambatta and Suleja following a distress call from motorists. The deceased victims were evacuated and taken to the Suleja General Hospital morgue. Authorities are withholding the identities of the victims pending notification of their families.
Commander Saadu issued a strong warning to commercial drivers and transport companies, advising them to avoid nighttime travel on poorly lit roads and to refrain from overloading their vehicles. She also emphasized the importance of regular vehicle maintenance and driver rest to prevent fatigue-induced accidents.
The Suleja–Lapai corridor has long been notorious for deadly road crashes, sparking renewed calls for the federal and state governments to step up road safety enforcement, install better lighting, and rehabilitate critical portions of the highway.
