Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic auto crash that claimed several lives in Kogi State earlier this week. In a heartfelt condolence message released from her office, the senator mourned the victims of the fatal road accident and extended sympathies to the grieving families and the entire Kogi community.

The devastating crash, which occurred along the Okene-Lokoja highway—a notorious black spot for accidents—left multiple people dead and several others critically injured. Eyewitnesses and local officials attributed the incident to reckless driving and poor visibility due to ongoing road construction in the area.

A Senator’s Voice of Compassion

Reacting to the tragedy, Senator Natasha described the loss as “heartbreaking and avoidable,” and called for urgent measures to prevent a recurrence. She expressed deep concern over the frequency of accidents on Kogi roads and emphasized the need for more proactive safety measures from both federal and state authorities.

“My heart is shattered by the news of the accident that claimed the lives of innocent Nigerians,” Senator Natasha stated. “These were people with dreams, families, and futures, suddenly cut short due to a crash that could have been prevented. I extend my heartfelt condolences to all the bereaved families and pray for the speedy recovery of those injured.”

She visited the Federal Medical Centre in Lokoja to check on survivors and pledged support for their treatment and rehabilitation, adding that her office would ensure that affected families receive necessary assistance.

Calls for Road Safety Reforms

Senator Natasha further called on relevant government agencies such as the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the Federal Ministry of Works, and state traffic regulators to urgently revisit safety protocols on highways passing through Kogi State.

According to her, despite several warnings and previous tragedies, many roads remain hazardous due to poor signage, inadequate lighting, and weak law enforcement. She stressed the need for proper driver education and vehicle inspections, especially for commercial vehicles operating inter-state routes.

“The time to act is now,” she said. “We cannot keep mourning avoidable deaths. Road safety should not be a seasonal campaign. It must become an everyday culture, fully backed by government action and accountability.”

Reactions from the Community

The accident and the senator’s response have sparked a wave of conversations among residents, activists, and community leaders in the state. Many commended Senator Natasha’s prompt empathy and her continued commitment to addressing the challenges of infrastructure and public safety in Kogi.

A local youth leader in Okene, Musa Ismail, applauded her for personally visiting the victims. “It is not common for public officials to show up when tragedies like this happen. Natasha’s presence has brought some comfort to the families and sent a message that they are not alone,” he said.

Similarly, Grace Olayemi, a civil society advocate based in Lokoja, urged other lawmakers and government officials to emulate Senator Natasha’s hands-on approach to community welfare.

“Condolences alone are not enough. We need action, policy change, and genuine concern. Senator Natasha is setting an example,” Olayemi noted.

Spotlight on Dangerous Roads

This latest incident adds to the growing list of fatal accidents that have occurred on Kogi highways, especially on the Lokoja-Abuja and Okene-Benin roads. Kogi’s location as a gateway to several regions of the country makes it one of the busiest—and deadliest—road transit hubs in Nigeria.

Transport unions have repeatedly raised concerns about the state of the roads, citing overloaded trucks, untrained drivers, lack of patrol vehicles, and poor road maintenance as contributors to the rising number of crashes.

In response to mounting pressure, Senator Natasha vowed to push for more federal funding for Kogi’s road projects and greater oversight on construction standards. She emphasized that road infrastructure and safety enforcement must be prioritized to save lives.

Honoring the Fallen

To honor the victims, the senator proposed a community-led memorial project in collaboration with local councils. She said the project would serve as both a remembrance and a public awareness campaign on road safety, encouraging motorists to be more responsible behind the wheel.

She urged religious institutions, schools, and transport associations to actively participate in educating the public on traffic laws and safety precautions.

“As we mourn, we must also resolve to act. Every life lost is a story that ends too soon. Let’s not allow their deaths to be in vain,” Senator Natasha concluded.

A Call to National Responsibility

The tragedy in Kogi once again underscores the urgent need for national dialogue on road safety, transportation policies, and emergency response systems in Nigeria. Senator Natasha’s emotional tribute and practical commitment to prevention have reignited the push for legislative and institutional reforms aimed at saving lives.

While the state mourns, her message echoes across Nigeria: road safety is not a privilege—it is a right. And ensuring it is a collective duty, from government institutions to every road user.