No fewer than twelve people died while two were injured in a road accident involving a passenger bus along the Ejule/ Enugu highway in Kogi State late Friday night.

The accident involved an 18-seater Toyota Hiace Bus belonging to Romchi Mass Transit, which occurred around 11:30 p.m. at the Iboko community in Idah Local Government Area of the State.

The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), which confirmed the accident, said the bus was heading to the eastern part of the country from Abuja.

The FRSC Sector Commander in Kogi, Tenimu Etuku, told reporters on Saturday in Lokoja that overspeeding led to the accident.

“The bus was travelling from Abuja to the Eastern part of the country but rammed into a stationary faulty articulated vehicle due to overspeeding, he disclosed.

The sector commander said that the FRSC personnel, who carried out the rescue operation, rushed those injured to Mercy of Jesus Hospital, Ejule, for medical attention, while the dead were deposited in the morgue.

Etuku, who expressed his condolences to the families of the deceased, reiterated the dangers inherent in excessive speeding and reckless overtaking by motorists.

” At this yuletide, motorists must be careful and adhere strictly to traffic rules and regulations to avoid such accidents and wastage of precious lives.

“I believe this is one way to help the FRSC and the Federal Government reduce the alarming rate of road traffic crashes and fatalities in the country.

“I hereby urge drivers to exercise patience and maintain safe driving practices, especially during long-distance journeys during this yuletide.