Children among 21 dead in Nigeria school bus crash

By Kola Olarewaju

MAIDUGURI, Nigeria (AA) – At least 21 people, including schoolchildren, were killed in a road crash in Nigeria on Thursday evening.

A truck rammed into a school bus carrying over 50 people on a highway in the southeastern Enugu State, local daily The Sun reported.

The bus was taking students and teachers home after school hours, according to Ogbonna Kalu, a commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps.

The official said there were 51 people on the school bus, including students, two teachers, and the driver.

“As of now, 21 people have been confirmed dead … not all the dead were school children. Those working on the roadside were part of the casualties,” he said.

There was an outpouring of grief and anger in Nigeria over the tragic accident, with citizens urging authorities to focus on road safety campaigns for motorists.

“It is high time the government steps up campaigns on road safety and adherence to traffic rules, especially as the festive season in December draws nearer,” said Raphael Amadi, a lawyer.