Katsina State Governor, Mallam Dikko Umaru Radda, has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic road accident that claimed the lives of 12 persons along the Kano–Katsina Highway.
The fatal accident occurred around 8:30 p.m. on Sunday at Gidan Mutum Daya following a head-on collision involving a trailer and a vehicle operating under a Public–Private Partnership arrangement with the Katsina State Transport Authority.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Monday by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed.
According to the statement, six victims, including the driver of the commercial vehicle, died instantly at the scene of the crash, while six others later succumbed to injuries at the hospital.
Two injured victims are currently receiving treatment at the Katsina General Hospital, while five others who sustained minor injuries have reportedly been treated and discharged.
Governor Radda described the incident as heartbreaking and devastating, noting that the state had lost valuable citizens under painful circumstances.
“The Executive Governor of Katsina State, Mallam Dikko Umaru Radda, has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic road accident that claimed 12 lives along the Kano-Katsina Highway,” the statement read.
The governor lamented that the tragedy occurred during the sacred first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah, a significant period in the Islamic calendar, making the loss even more painful for the bereaved families and the Muslim community.
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“We have lost precious lives in a heartbreaking and unfortunate circumstance. This tragedy is a painful reminder of the fragility of life and has plunged our state into mourning,” Radda stated.
He prayed for the repose of the souls of the deceased, asking Almighty Allah to forgive their shortcomings and grant them Al-Jannah Firdaus.
The governor also prayed for strength and comfort for the grieving families as they mourn the loss of their loved ones.
Radda further called on motorists and road users to exercise caution and strictly comply with traffic regulations to reduce the growing number of road accidents on Nigerian highways.
He extended condolences on behalf of the government and people of Katsina State to the affected families, as well as the management and staff of the Katsina State Transport Authority.
The incident adds to the increasing concerns over road safety across major highways in the country, particularly during festive and high-travel periods when traffic volume rises significantly.