Gov. Dikko Radda of Katsina State, has expressed deep sorrow over a tragic road accident along the Kano-Katsina highway that claimed the lives of several passengers on Sunday night.
The governor described the incident as devastating and painful, saying that the state has lost valuable citizens under an unfortunate circumstance.
Radda extended his condolences in a statement issued in Katsina on Tuesday, by his Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Kaula.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), recalls that the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) said that about nine passengers died, while 17 sustained various degrees of injury.
According to FRSC, the fatal crash occurred at Gidan Mutum Daya around 8:30 p.m. on Sunday.
It said the accident was a head-on collision involving a trailer and a vehicle operating under a Public-Private Partnership arrangement with the Katsina State Transport Authority.
Radda expressed regret that the tragedy occurred during the first 10 days of Dhul-Hijjah, a sacred period in Islam.
He described the loss as particularly painful for the bereaved families and the Muslim community.
“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,” the governor said.
He prayed to the Almighty Allah to forgive the shortcomings of the deceased, grant them Al-Jannah Firdaus.
He also asked Allah to give their families the strength and patience to bear the irreparable loss.
Radda also urged motorists to exercise caution and strictly adhere to road safety regulations to prevent future occurrences on the highways.
He extended condolences, on behalf of the government and people of the state, to the bereaved families, management and staff of the transport authority, and all those affected by the tragedy.
