.22 persons dead, 20 injured as trailer crashes in Niger state
.As building collapses, kills mother, her 5 children in Katsina
IBRAHIM QUADRI with agency reports
Lagos State government has issued an evacuation warning to residents living in parts of Lekki, Ikorodu and Ajegunle.
In an advisory released on Tuesday, the government urged the residents of the areas to relocate to the highlands to avoid the impact of flooding which has ravaged these areas following the days of rainfall in Lagos.
Tokunbo Wahab, the Lagos State commissioner for environment while speaking on Channels Television’s ‘Politics Today’ said the relocation of the residents during this season is vital.
According to Wahab, those around the Ajilete axis of Lagos – that is Ajegunle- are required to move.
He said, “Those around the coastline of Ikorodu; Majidu, have to move. Some areas around the Lekki corridor, too, not all.
“Epe had always been safe, Mushin will be safe, Ikeja will be safe,” Wahab stated.
For the past days, Lagos State has witnessed flooding in some areas of the state.
Several residents have also had their houses, cars and other property submerged in water.
Citing predictions by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Wahab said Lagos is expected to experience much more rain this year than last year.
“Those who stay in the lowland of Lagos have to move to the upland pending when the rain recedes,” he said.
Meanwhile, no fewer than 22 persons lost their lives while 20 others sustained varying degrees of injuries in a lone accident involving a trailer along the Lapai–Lambata road in Niger State on Monday.
It was learnt that the vehicle was heading to Lagos from Kano, and reportedly conveying both passengers and cattle.
According to eyewitness accounts, most of the passengers were from Zamfara State and were travelling for commercial purposes.
The crash, which occurred in the early hours of the morning, left many dead on the spot, while others were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Confirming the incident on Tuesday, the Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Niger State, Aishat Saadu, said the crash happened around 3 am and involved only one vehicle, a trailer.
“The crash occurred around 0300hrs along the Lapai – Lambata route,” she said.
“It was a lone crash involving a truck.
“Forty-two (42) people were involved. Twenty-two (22) dead, twenty (20) injured as at the time of rescue. The injured were taken to FMC Lambata, while the dead were taken to the General Hospital, Suleja.”
The vehicle was said to be coming from Kano, going to Lagos.
In another tragedy, no fewer than six persons have died after a building collapsed during a heavy downpour in Dankama Local Government Area (LGA) of Katsina State.
The incident occurred around 2 a.m. on Tuesday while the victims were asleep, claiming the lives of a mother and five of her children.
The victims’ husband and father, Malam Muhammad Sani, confirmed the tragic incident to reporters in Katsina on Tuesday.
He said three others were rushed to the hospital with varying degrees of injury sustained during the collapse.
Sani explained that he was away when it happened and was left in shock after hearing the news.
“This affected about 10 people, but sadly, six didn’t survive. Three are currently receiving treatment in hospital,” he told journalists.
The deceased were identified as Mariya Sani, 45; Mujahid, 20; Zahariya, 18; Hauwa, 15; Amira; and Nura Sani, aged five.
The tragedy has triggered widespread grief in the community.
Many sympathisers have visited the family’s Dankama home to offer their condolences and support.
Sani expressed his acceptance of the tragedy, saying, “I surrender to Allah’s will. May He grant them eternal rest.”
Hajiya Binta Dangani, Executive Secretary of Katsina State Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), confirmed the incident.
She said agency officials had been dispatched to condole with the family and assess the damages for necessary follow-up. (NAN)
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