Eight pupils of Mama’s Academy had a narrow escape from death on Thursday afternoon when a container fell on their vehicle at Lokongoma market in Lokoja, the capital of Kogi state. The children were returning from their graduation ceremony.
According to reports, a truck driver lost control while reversing, causing the vehicle to collide with two cars carrying the pupils. The container, which was not securely fastened, detached and landed on the cars.
Miraculously, all eight children were rescued from the wreckage without sustaining any injuries. The incident involved a Mitsubishi car with registration number Abuja RSH 241 FH and a Corolla with registration number Kogi LMA 190 AA.
Responding to the incident, the Kogi State Government, led by Secretary to the State Government Dr Mrs Folashde Ayoade Arike, deployed security and emergency personnel to the scene. The government commended the efforts of good Samaritans in rescuing the children.
“I want to thank God most sincerely for sparing the lives of the children. These are children coming from their graduation ceremony and looking forward to starting their long holiday,” Dr Ayoade said.
“I also want to, on behalf of the state government, thank everyone who were involved in the rescue operation, it shows that Kogites are kind people, and the state government really appreciate everyone for this.”
She emphasized the importance of securing containers on trucks and announced that the truck driver would face prosecution for violating the law.
“We have warned repeatedly that every container should be latched on to the back of the truck carrying them, just like the SGS has said, he will be prosecuted”
The children were taken to the state Specialist Hospital for medical checks as a precautionary measure.
The State Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omadara, and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Sector Commander, Sunday Samuel Oyedeji, also condemned the incident. Oyedeji attributed the accident to brake failure and urged drivers to conduct thorough vehicle checks before embarking on journeys.
