22 killed, 20 injured in Niger trailer crash

At least 22 people lost their lives and 20 others sustained varying degrees of injuries in a devastating road accident involving a trailer along the Lapai–Lambata road in Niger State on Monday, August 4.

According to reports by SaharaReporters, the trailer—reportedly heading from Kano to Lagos—was dangerously overloaded with both human passengers and cattle when it veered off course and crashed. Eyewitnesses revealed that many of the victims were traders from Zamfara State believed to be en route to Lagos for commercial activities.

The trailer, unable to manage its heavy load, lost control and toppled, leading to a tragic scene that has plunged the local community into mourning.

Emergency responders and good Samaritans raced to the scene to rescue survivors and evacuate the deceased. Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the accident, while also reiterating warnings against the use of trailers for passenger transport—an illegal but widespread practice in many parts of Nigeria.

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 to SaharaReporters on Tuesday, the Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Niger State, Aishat Saadu, said the crash happened around 3am 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.