Six die, 12 injured as Benue Links bus, truck collide along Makurdi–Otukpo road
Six Dead in Highway Collision Near Otukpo
OTUKPO, Nigeria — A tragic collision on the Makurdi–Otukpo highway on Friday afternoon has left six individuals dead and twelve others injured. The accident involved an 18-seater Benue Links bus and a truck allegedly owned by the China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC).
The crash occurred around 4 p.m. near the abandoned Benue Burnt Bricks factory, approximately three kilometers from Otukpo town. An eyewitness reported that the bus was transporting passengers from Makurdi to Otukpo and was nearing its destination when the incident happened.
According to the witness, five passengers died at the scene, while a sixth succumbed to injuries later at the Federal University of Health Sciences Teaching Hospital Otukpo (FUHSTHO), where the injured were taken for medical attention.
“It is really unfortunate that the passengers were almost in town when the truck collided with the bus on the dusty road due to ongoing construction work,” the eyewitness said. “The visibility was poor, likely preventing the truck driver from seeing the bus in time.”
Of the twelve passengers who survived, one is a seven-month-old baby. A medical source at FUHSTHO confirmed that those injured are receiving treatment and responding positively.
“The patients are under the care of our medical team,” said the source.
Mr. Johnson Ehi, the Public Relations Officer of Benue Links, confirmed the accident and stated that the company is covering the medical expenses for the injured passengers.
“The casualty figure is six, consisting of five males and one female. The bus was an 18-seater, and it was struck while traveling from Makurdi to Otukpo,” he said. “The twelve remaining passengers are currently receiving treatment at the hospital.”
Attempts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, for further comment were unsuccessful as calls went unanswered.
