Nigeria: New Year turns tragic as 12 lives lost in road crashes
By Zuleihat Owuiye, Mamos Nigeria
What should have been a day of celebration and fresh beginnings turned into heartbreak on New Year’s Day, as at least 12 people lost their lives in a series of road accidents across Lagos and Ogun states. Families were thrown into mourning following multiple crashes on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway and other major roads, with several others left injured and rushed to hospitals.
One of the deadliest incidents happened at the NASFAT turning on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, where a commercial bus travelling at high speed crashed into a truck. The impact was devastating, killing several passengers on the spot, including adults and young children, while others sustained serious injuries. Emergency responders arrived quickly, but the scale of the crash highlighted once again the dangers of speeding on major highways.
Elsewhere in Ogun State, another late-night accident along the Sango–Ijoko Road claimed more lives after a chain collision involving a coaster bus, a minibus, and a tricycle. In Lagos, multiple crashes were also recorded in areas such as Iyana Itire, Ibeju Bridge, Ikorodu Road, and Shangotedo. In one particularly painful incident, a truck driver was killed by a hit-and-run motorist while trying to place a warning sign to protect other road users.
Authorities have described the incidents as deeply distressing and urged motorists to slow down, obey traffic rules, and remain alert, especially during festive periods when roads are busier. As the country steps into the new year, the tragic losses serve as a sobering reminder that a moment of carelessness on the road can cost innocent lives and leave lasting pain for families left behind.
