22 traders burnt to death in Kebbi

No fewer than 22 persons have been crushed to death in an auto crash in Kebbi State.

The victims, who were traders from the Giron-Masa community, in the Shanga Local Government Area of Kebbi State, were returning home from market when the incident happened.

It was gathered that the bus driver had attempted to avoid a pothole when he hit a motorcyclist, which made the bus to somersault several times before landing into a ditch.

The bus, which was loaded with jerrycans of petrol and some pumping machines, later burst into flames.

Twenty-two passengers aboard were said to have lost their lives, while eight others were rushed to the Yauri General Hospital, where they are receiving treatment for severe burns.

A statement on Wednesday by Abubakar Dakingari, the Chief Press Secretary to the Kebbi State Governor, Abubakar Bagudu, confirmed that the victims were all buried on Tuesday at the scene of the incident.

“The Sole Administrator of the Shanga Local Government Area, Alhaji Garba Takware, said the vehicle was carrying traders coming from Tungan Giwa Market, and they were on their way home when the accident occurred.

“During a visit to the Yauri General Hospital to sympathise with the eight injured passengers, the Principal Medical Officer, Dr Onyilo Mathews, told the governor that those on admission were responding to treatment.

“The governor described the incident as an act of God and pledged to provide relief measures for the victims to restart their trading activities,” the statement read in part.

Also confirming the incident, Kebbi State Police Public Relations Officer, Mustapha Suleiman, said the police were investigating the crash.

“The bus driver was at top speed when the motorcycle rider ran into the vehicle.

“The bus somersaulted and burst into flames. All the traders were burnt beyond recognition; so we cannot tell how many were males and how many were females. There are seven survivors at a hospital and they are in critical condition,” he added.