Tragedy in Benue: Six Confirmed Dead as Two Buses Collide on Makurdi-Gboko Highway

 

​In a heartbreaking turn of events for residents of Benue State, a fatal road traffic accident has claimed the lives of six people and left several others battling for their lives. The incident, which occurred on Monday, February 16, 2026, on the ever-busy Makurdi-Gboko Highway, serves as a grim reminder of the persistent dangers of reckless driving on Nigerian roads. As the community mourns the loss of three men, two women, and a young child, authorities are once again calling for stricter adherence to speed limits.

​Details of the Tarka Local Government Area Crash

​The accident took place at a notorious spot along the Makurdi-Gboko road, specifically around the Tugh-Tugh Sharp Bend near the Agudo axis in Tarka Local Government Area (LGA). According to eyewitness accounts and official reports from the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the crash involved a Toyota bus and a Sharon bus.

​How the Collision Occurred

​Eyewitnesses described a scene of chaos as the two vehicles collided head-on. Preliminary investigations by the FRSC suggest that one of the drivers was traveling at an excessive speed. As the vehicle approached the sharp bend at Tugh-Tugh, the driver allegedly lost control and veered into the opposite lane, leading to the devastating impact with the oncoming bus.

​The Security Secretary of Tarka LGA, Bem Agbuku, confirmed that the crash was one of the most severe recorded in the area recently. He praised the swift intervention of the Tarka LGA Chairman, Hon. Raphael Yenge, and the security operatives who arrived promptly to assist with the rescue operations.

​The Victims: A Community in Mourning

​The human cost of the Benue auto crash is profound. The Benue State Sector Commander of the FRSC, Kehinde Dahunsi, officially confirmed the casualty figures on Tuesday.

Category of Victim	Number of Deceased
Adult Males	3
Adult Females	2
Male Child	1
Total Deaths	6

In addition to those who lost their lives, approximately 23 people were involved in the accident. While some were rescued unhurt, many others sustained varying degrees of injuries. The injured victims were rushed to St. Christopher Clinic in Wannune and other nearby medical facilities, where they are currently receiving treatment. The bodies of the deceased have been deposited in a mortuary awaiting identification by their families.

​FRSC Blames Speeding for the Tragedy

​Sector Commander Kehinde Dahunsi did not mince words when addressing the cause of the accident. He attributed the crash directly to excessive speeding, a leading cause of death on Nigerian highways.

​"The driver was over-speeding and he lost control, thereby running to the opposite [lane], which led to a head-on collision with the coming vehicle. Our advice to all these drivers is to stop excessive speeding; they should adhere to the speed limit." — Kehinde Dahunsi, FRSC Sector Commander.

​This tragedy occurs just weeks after the FRSC reported a significant 47.6% drop in road fatalities during the 2025 "Ember Months" in Benue State. The recent crash underscores the fragility of these improvements and the need for constant vigilance by both motorists and enforcement agencies.

​Safety Tips for Navigating Benue Highways

​The Makurdi-Gboko Highway is a vital artery for trade and travel in North-Central Nigeria, but its sharp bends and varying road conditions require extreme caution. To stay safe, motorists are encouraged to:

1. ​Observe Speed Limits: Always adjust your speed based on road signs, especially when approaching bends or populated areas.
2. ​Maintain Your Vehicle: Ensure that tires, brakes, and steering systems are in top condition before embarking on a journey.
3. ​Avoid Distractions: Stay focused on the road; a split-second distraction can be fatal at high speeds.
4. ​Practice Defensive Driving: Always be aware of the behavior of other drivers and be prepared to take evasive action if necessary.

​Conclusion: A Call for Collective Responsibility

​The Benue auto crash of February 2026 is a sobering reminder that road safety is a collective responsibility. While the government and agencies like the FRSC work to improve road conditions and enforcement, the ultimate power to save lives lies in the hands of the drivers. As the families of the six victims prepare to lay their loved ones to rest, let this tragedy serve as a final warning: speed kills.