Seven people lost their lives in a tragic road accident along the Kiyawa–Azare Road in Jigawa State after a commercial bus lost control and somersaulted multiple times, police confirmed on Sunday.
The accident occurred near Jigawan Kurma village in Kiyawa Local Government Area. According to police, the Toyota Hummer bus, carrying 18 passengers from Kano to Potiskum, suffered a sudden rear tyre burst while travelling at high speed.
“The vehicle lost control instantly, somersaulted several times, and veered off the road,” a police spokesperson said, describing the scene as “severe and tragic.”
A rescue team from the Motor Traffic Division, led by the Divisional Police Officer in Kiyawa, was dispatched to the site to assist victims. Seven people, including the 70-year-old driver, Mallam Ibrahim Potiskum, died on the spot.
“Seven occupants sadly could not survive the impact,” the police statement added. “We have secured all recovered luggage and deposited the bodies at the hospital mortuary. Efforts are ongoing to identify and notify their families.”
Eleven passengers sustained injuries and were rushed to the General Hospital in Dutse. Medical officials confirmed that four have been treated and discharged, while the remaining seven continue to receive care.
Jigawa State Commissioner of Police, CP Dahiru Muhammad, expressed condolences to the bereaved families, saying: “Our hearts go out to everyone affected by this unfortunate incident. We pray for the quick recovery of the survivors.”
He also urged motorists to prioritise road safety, maintain their vehicles, and avoid fatigue or excessive speed. “Tyre bursts, over-speeding, and driver fatigue remain major causes of fatal accidents in Nigeria,” he warned.
Road safety experts continue to highlight the country’s high rate of preventable road deaths, noting that tyre-related incidents remain a leading contributor to fatalities. Investigations into the crash are ongoing.
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