Eight schoolchildren returning from an end-of-term party narrowly escaped death Thursday evening when a truck loaded with tractors fell onto the two cars they were traveling in.
The accident occurred at 4 pm in Lokongoma Market along Okene/Kabba Road in Lokoja, the Kogi State capital.
Upon visiting the scene, it was confirmed that all eight children were successfully rescued from the two crushed vehicles: a Mitsubishi with registration number Abuja RSH 241 FH and a Toyota Corolla with registration number Kogi LMA 190 AA, which was parked in front of the owner’s shop.
Dr. Folashade Ayoade Arike, Secretary to the Kogi State Government, led a team of top government officials, including State Security Adviser Commander Jerry Omadara, State Information Commissioner Kingsley Fanwo, and State NSCDC Corps Commander Sunday Samuel Oyedeji, to coordinate the rescue operation.
The Commissioner expressed dissatisfaction with the truck driver’s conduct and vowed that the driver would be prosecuted.
The owner of the Corolla, identified only as Adama, confirmed that all eight children were rescued from the car without any injuries.
Dr. Ayoade Arike announced that the children had been taken to the state specialist hospital for examination before being released to their families.
Commander Omadara reiterated that the driver would face legal consequences for allegedly violating state laws.
“We have warned repeatedly that every container should be latched on to the back of the truck carrying them; just like the SSG has said, he will be prosecuted,” Omadara said.
