From Attah Ede, Makurdi

No fewer than six passengers have died in a fatal road accident involving an 18-seater Benue Links bus and a truck allegedly belonging to CHEC Construction Company along the Otukpo- Makurdi expressway.

The accident occurred at the weekend at about 4pm near the moribund Benue Burnt Bricks factory, and equally left 12 other passengers badly injured.

An eyewitness explained that the affected bus was conveying passengers from Makurdi to Otukpo and had almost reached its destination when the crash occurred, less than three kilometres away from Otukpo town.

The eyewitness further revealed that five of the passengers died instantly at the scene of the accident, while another victim later succumbed to injuries at the Federal University of Health Sciences Teaching Hospital, Otukpo (FUHSTHO), where the injured were rushed for medical attention.

“It is really unfortunate that the passengers were already in Otukpo and heading into town when the truck ran into the bus on the dusty road due to the ongoing construction work,” the eyewitness said.

“There was poor visibility because of the dust. The driver of the truck probably did not see the bus approaching and rammed into it. Five passengers died on the spot while another later died at the hospital,” he added.

According to him, some of 12 surviving passengers, including a seven-month-old infant, sustained various injuries.

A medical source at the hospital who also disclosed that the victims were promptly admitted and are currently receiving treatment said “under the guidance of the medical team, the patients are receiving treatment and are responding positively to care.”

Confirming the development, the Public Relations Officer of Benue Links, Mr. Johnson Ehi, said the company had taken responsibility for the treatment of the injured passengers.

“The casualty figure is six, there are five males and one female. The bus was an 18-seater, it was travelling from Makurdi to Otukpo when the truck ran into it.

“The remaining 12 passengers are responding to treatment. We have taken over their medical bills at the FUHSTHO.”

Efforts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer, Udeme Edet, for comments were unsuccessful.

President Bola Tinubu has paid glowing tribute to former President Olusegun Obasanjo on his 89th birthday.

Tinubu rejoiced with the elder statesman, describing his influence in Nigeria, Africa and globally as significant.

The President’s message is contained in a statement issued by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, on Wednesday in Abuja.

Tinubu noted Obasanjo’s courage and sacrifices in service to the nation.

He recalled that Obasanjo served as military Head of State from 1976 to 1979 and handed over power to a civilian administration in 1979.

The president also highlighted his tenure as Nigeria’s first civilian leader in the Fourth Republic from 1999 to 2007.

Tinubu affirmed the former leader’s historic roles, including fighting to preserve Nigeria’s unity and advocating democracy.

He also acknowledged Obasanjo’s time in prison for opposing military rule and his efforts in advancing Africa’s political and economic interests.

“As Chief Obasanjo turns 89, we recognise the zeal and wisdom he continues to bring to Nigeria’s development,” the President said.

Tinubu commended the former president’s intellectual contributions through books and public interventions.

He prayed for more years of good health, strength and wisdom for Obasanjo as he continued to serve the nation and humanity.

The Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC), through its subsidiary, the Niger Electricity Distribution Company (NEDC), will collaborate with the Niger Government to deploy solar mini-grids and other renewable energy solutions.

Omede Odekina, Brand Marketing and Corporate Communications, NEDC stated this in a statement in Abuja on Tuesday.

Odekina said that NEDC welcomed the commendable efforts of the Niger government, under the leadership of Gov.

He noted that the initiatives included the provision of reliable 24-hour solar power to over 180 communities that had experienced little or no meaningful electricity supply for more than a decade.

““This also covers the transition of critical public facilities—such as the Government House, hospitals including the General Hospital and IBB Specialist Hospital, the Niger State Water Board, and other Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, to independent solar systems.

“This move represents a significant step forward in addressing long-standing energy access challenges,” he said.

AEDC Managing Director, Chijioke Okwuokenye, added, “We fully support the Niger government’s proactive approach to expanding access to reliable electricity through renewable energy solutions.”

”These efforts complement the national push for decentralised power under the Electricity Act 2023 and demonstrate how collaboration between government, regulators, and licensed operators can accelerate progress for our customers,” he said.

Sam Odekina, Chief Business Officer and Acting Managing Director of NEDC, said that the deployment of solar mini-grids in previously unserved areas aligned perfectly with the company’s shared goal of inclusive electrification.

“As the licensed intrastate distributor under the Niger State Electricity Regulatory Commission (NSERC), NEDC is eager to partner closely with the state government on hybrid solutions and grid integration where feasible.

“The company is also committed to supporting innovative projects that deliver sustainable benefits to residents, businesses, and institutions alike.

”The NEDC fully recognises that these actions align with the decentralised and multi-source electricity framework established by the Electricity Act 2023, the establishment of the NSERC, and the ongoing domestication of relevant regulations within Niger,” he said.

Odekina said that the deployment of solar mini-grids in areas such as Lambata in Gurara Local Government Area was being supported through partnerships, including those with the Rural Electrification Agency and international donors.

He said these complemented national efforts to expand renewable energy access and reduce reliance on traditional grid extensions where they were not yet viable.

According to him, NEDC remains fully committed to working collaboratively with the Niger government, the NSERC, and all relevant stakeholders to deliver reliable, sustainable, and inclusive electricity supply throughout the state.