EIGHTEEN people were injured yesterday when a commercial vehicle carrying All Progressives Congress (APC) supporters lost control and rammed into a crowd in Yakasawa village, Ringim Local Government Area, Jigawa State.
The victims had gathered by the roadside, about two kilometres from Ringim town, to welcome Governor Umar Namadi for the 15th edition of the state’s Citizens and Government Engagement Programme, an initiative designed to bring governance closer to the people.
Eyewitnesses said the Volkswagen Golf, with registration number FKJ 102 JB, veered off the road after the driver lost control while approaching the large gathering.
The driver was reportedly attempting to avoid a pothole when the vehicle swerved into the crowd.
Bystanders quickly evacuated the injured to a safe spot before personnel from the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) arrived to transport them to Ringim General Hospital.
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) spokesperson in Jigawa, ASC Badruddeen Tijjani, confirmed the incident, noting that no fatalities were recorded but that all 18 victims sustained varying degrees of injuries.
Tijjani added that the NSCDC and FRSC responded promptly, ensuring timely medical attention, and that a full investigation would be conducted to prevent similar accidents.
He urged motorists to drive cautiously, particularly in areas with poor road conditions.
The crash is happening less than four months after a similar incident during the fourth edition of the programme in Birniwa LGA claimed the life of a former councillor.