No fewer than 36 Muslim worshippers lost their lives in a road accident in Kaduna state on Monday.
The victims were travelling to Saminaka to observe Eid-el-Maulud, a celebration marking the birth of Prophet Muhammad.
The event organiser, Ahmad Dayyabu, told the BBC that the “overcrowded bus” collided with an oncoming truck near Lere town.
An official from the Kaduna State Emergency Management Agency said 36 people died in the accident.
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However, Dayyabu said the death toll has risen to 40, with 31 others receiving medical care in the hospital.
“They departed from Kwandare, heading towards Saminaka. When they reached Lere, a trailer truck collided with their vehicle,” he said.
“Our investigation reveals that 71 people were on board the ill-fated bus.”
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Official statistics indicate that over 1,470 people died in road accidents across Nigeria during the first quarter of 2024, averaging 16 deaths per day.
The government had declared Monday a public holiday to mark this year’s Eid-el-Maulud.
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