FCT Minister Nyesom Wike expressed deep sympathy for victims of Wednesday’s Karu accident, calling the tragedy avoidable.
He vowed urgent medical support for survivors and bereaved families.
Immediately afterward, Wike directed Mandate Secretary Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe to oversee treatment at Asokoro District Hospital.
She worked overnight with staff, stabilizing 17 injured individuals.
Following his directive, seven critically injured patients were transferred to the National Hospital for advanced care.
Six others with minor injuries were discharged after swift treatment.
Tragically, one victim with severe burns succumbed despite resuscitation efforts. Three patients remain in intensive care for burns, inhalation injuries, and crush wounds.
Speaking further, Wike pledged full coverage of medical bills and stressed road safety reforms. He urged drivers, especially heavy vehicle operators, to obey speed limits.
“Lives were needlessly lost,” he stated, urging stricter enforcement by agencies like the FRSC. “Prevention must become our priority to protect families and communities.”
In light of this tragedy, Wike’s administration reaffirmed its commitment to emergency response and infrastructure upgrades. Investigations into the crash’s cause are ongoing.
Meanwhile, survivors recounted harrowing details of the collision, highlighting overcrowded roads and reckless driving. Community leaders echoed calls for better traffic management systems.
Wike’s prompt visit to hospitals underscored his hands-on leadership style. He consoled families, promising accountability and systemic changes to prevent repeats.
Residents praised the minister’s transparency but demanded faster road repairs and expanded trauma centers. Many emphasized that accidents strain Abuja’s healthcare resources.
Dr. Fasawe assured the public of improved emergency protocols, citing plans for mobile clinics along high-risk corridors. Training for first responders will also intensify.
Road safety advocates welcomed Wike’s stance, urging collaboration between federal and state agencies. They proposed stricter penalties for traffic violations and mandatory vehicle inspections.
As grief grips Karu, collective calls for accountability grow louder. Families await autopsy reports while survivors face long recoveries, their lives irrevocably altered.
Wike’s actions highlight governance rooted in empathy and urgency. Yet, lasting change hinges on sustained political will and community participation in safety campaigns.
Moving forward, the FCT administration plans quarterly road safety audits and public awareness drives. Partnerships with ride-hailing firms to train drivers are also underway.
For now, Karu’s tragedy serves as a grim reminder of systemic gaps. While Wike’s response offers hope, transforming promises into progress remains the true test.
The community seeks not just condolences but concrete action—a legacy where preventable accidents no longer shatter lives. Unity, vigilance, and reform can honor the lost.
