A journey meant to mark celebration ended in tragedy as three members of the Medical and Health Workers’ Union of Nigeria lost their lives in a fatal road crash along the Oke-Onigbin–Omu-Aran highway in Kwara State.
The victims had travelled to Ilorin to participate in this year’s Workers’ Day activities. However, what should have been a routine return trip turned devastating when their vehicle was involved in a lone accident on Thursday afternoon.
The crash occurred at about 3:00 p.m. as the group made their way back to Ekiti Local Government Area. Reports indicate that the vehicle involved was a commercial Mazda bus carrying seven passengers.
The Federal Road Safety Corps confirmed the incident through its Kwara State Sector Commander, Kabir Kazeem, who explained that overspeeding played a major role in the crash.
“The crash was a lone accident involving a Mazda commercial bus with registration number ARP627KY. It occurred as a result of overspeeding,” he said.
According to him, the bus had three male and four female occupants at the time. Tragically, three of the women died on the spot.
“Seven persons were involved in the crash, three males and four females. Unfortunately, three of the female occupants lost their lives on the spot,” he said.
Further findings by the FRSC revealed that a tyre burst at high speed caused the driver to lose control of the vehicle, ultimately leading to the fatal crash.
“The driver lost control after one of the tyres burst, which led to the crash,” Kazeem added.
Rescue teams responded promptly, evacuating the injured victims and transporting both them and the bodies of the deceased to a hospital in Omu-Aran for medical attention and further procedures.
Beyond the immediate tragedy, the incident has left a deep emotional impact on the affected communities. The Chairman of Ekiti Local Government Area, Awelewa Gabriel, described the loss as both painful and deeply unsettling.
“Our hearts are heavy over this tragedy. These were committed health workers who were returning from a national celebration, only to meet their untimely death on the road,” he said.
He assured that the local government would work with relevant authorities to support the families of the deceased while also assisting those injured in the crash.
The loss has also been strongly felt within the health sector. The Executive Secretary of the Kwara State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Nusirat Elelu, described the incident as a major setback, noting that the victims were actively involved in critical healthcare initiatives.
“We are deeply saddened by this heartbreaking incident. These were committed officers who contributed immensely to the success of the ongoing polio immunisation exercise, serving their communities with dedication. Their sudden loss is a painful blow to all of us,” she said.
She also confirmed that those injured in the crash are currently receiving treatment.
As authorities continue to respond to the aftermath, road safety officials have once again stressed the importance of responsible driving. Motorists have been urged to avoid excessive speed, ensure their vehicles are properly maintained, and prioritise safety at all times.
