Five people, including four students of the Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUT Minna), have lost their lives in a road accident in Niger State, prompting an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collision and a government clarification over reports linking the incident to Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago’s convoy.
The crash reportedly occurred along the Minna–Bida Road, around Gidan Mangoro near Gidan Kwanu, and involved a Toyota Hilux associated with the Niger State Government and a vehicle conveying the students.
Initial reports identified the government vehicle’s occupants as Government House Director-General Dauda Chikuba and the driver.
The driver was among those reportedly killed, while Chikuba sustained injuries and was taken to hospital. The four students travelling in the other vehicle also died in the incident.
The tragedy generated public concern after reports suggested that the vehicle involved was part of the governor’s convoy.
However, the Niger State Government subsequently clarified that the driver was a Government House staff member returning from a trip and was not carrying out an official convoy assignment with the governor at the time of the accident.
The Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Obed Nuhu Nana, expressed the government’s condolences to the families, friends and associates of those who died, describing the incident as a painful loss.
According to reports quoting the commissioner, preliminary information indicated that reckless driving may have contributed to the crash. The allegation has yet to be established conclusively, as investigations into the circumstances surrounding the collision are ongoing.
The accident reportedly occurred as the governor’s entourage was returning to Minna after a condolence visit to the Etsu Nupe and Chairman of the Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, Yahaya Abubakar, following the death of Sagi Nupe, Aisha.
The students were said to have been travelling towards Bida when the collision occurred.
An eyewitness quoted in media reports alleged that the vehicles collided head-on and claimed that the government vehicle was moving at high speed.
That account has not been independently verified, and the precise circumstances of the crash remain subject to investigation.
The Niger State Police Command confirmed that it was investigating the incident. Police spokesperson Wasiu Abiodun was quoted as saying, “The accident occurred this morning, and we are investigating it.”
The police investigation is expected to help establish how the collision happened and whether any traffic violations or other factors contributed to the deaths.
Beyond the conflicting accounts surrounding the government vehicle, the loss of four university students has cast a shadow over the FUT Minna community and left their families facing the painful consequences of the tragedy.
The state government has urged motorists to observe traffic regulations, exercise caution and take road safety seriously.
It has also called on members of the public and media organisations to verify information before attributing incidents to the governor or the state government.
As the investigation continues, attention will remain on the findings of the police and any further official statements that could clarify the events leading to the fatal collision.
