Bus collision in northern Nigeria kills at least 36 worshippers en route to Eid-el-Maulud celebration; over 1,470 road deaths reported in 2024.

At least 36 individuals have lost their lives in a bus collision in Kaduna state, northern Nigeria, as reported by an official from the Kaduna State Emergency Management Agency. The victims, predominantly Muslim worshippers, were en route to Saminaka to participate in the Eid-el-Maulud celebration, which commemorates the birth of Prophet Muhammad.

The tragic accident occurred near Lere when the bus collided with an oncoming truck, according to Ahmad Dayyabu, the organizer of the Eid event. Dayyabu attributed the crash to the inadequate enforcement of safety measures. Road collisions are frequent in Nigeria due to the frequent disregard for safety regulations by both drivers and passengers, leading to numerous fatal accidents.

Dayyabu informed the BBC that the number of fatalities might be as high as 40, with 31 others receiving medical treatment in hospitals. He described the incident: "They departed from Kwandare heading to Saminaka. Upon reaching Lere, their vehicle was struck by a trailer truck."

Officials confirmed that the bus, which was carrying 71 passengers, was overloaded. Of these, at least 36 were killed, and others sustained injuries. The accident occurred as the government had declared a public holiday on Monday to observe this year's Eid-el-Maulud. The victims were traveling to Saminaka to celebrate the festival.

According to official statistics, over 1,470 people have died in road accidents across Nigeria in the first quarter of 2024, averaging about 16 deaths per day. This high number of casualties is attributed to the lax enforcement of safety measures.