Dozens of Muslim Worshippers Killed in Nigeria Crash

Tragedy struck in northern Nigeria's Kaduna state, where dozens of Muslim worshippers lost their lives in a devastating road accident. The victims were en route to celebrate Eid-el-Maulud, the birthday of Prophet Muhammad, in the town of Saminaka when their bus collided with a truck near Lere. An official from the Kaduna State Emergency Management Agency reported that the death toll had reached 36 by Monday morning, while Ahmad Dayyabu, an organizer of the Eid celebration, stated that as many as 40 people were killed, with an additional 31 receiving treatment in hospital.

“They departed from Kwandare, heading to Saminaka. Upon reaching Lere, their vehicle was hit by a trailer truck," Dayyabu said, adding that 71 people were crammed into the ill-fated bus, which was reportedly overloaded.

Nigeria has a high rate of fatal road accidents, often caused by lax enforcement of safety regulations. Over 1,470 people died in road accidents across the country during the first quarter of 2024, averaging about 16 deaths per day. The government declared Monday a public holiday to observe this year's Eid-el-Maulud, but celebrations were overshadowed by the crash.