Tragedy on Kaduna-Zaria Highway: Eight Family Members Killed in Eid Accident as Grief Turns to Anger

Kaduna, Nigeria — A devastating accident on the Kaduna-Zaria highway has claimed the lives of eight members of a single family, leaving two others critically injured and igniting widespread grief and outrage across Kaduna State. The horrifying incident occurred on Monday evening, around 6 p.m., in the Barakallahu area as families gathered to celebrate Eid-el-Kabir.

According to eyewitnesses and grieving relatives, the victims — mostly women and children — had just visited their grandmother’s home for the holiday festivities and were waiting by the roadside for transportation when tragedy struck. A speeding ash-coloured Mercedes GLK Jeep, reportedly driven by a teenage boy, veered off the rain-slicked road and ploughed into the unsuspecting group.

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A Family Torn Apart

One of the families hardest hit was that of Malam Jamilu Usman Mai Yadi, a resident of Sabon Gari, Tudun Wada. Speaking through tears, he recounted how eight of his relatives were killed on the spot, including his wife, Khadija Umar, and two sons, Sadiq (16) and Muhammad (9). Also among the deceased were Khadija’s sisters and an aunt.

“My wife’s leg was broken beyond recognition, and Sadiq’s body had to be recovered and returned to us later by the Road Safety officials,” Mai Yadi recounted, his voice filled with pain and disbelief. “In total, ten members of my family were hit; eight died, and two are still in the hospital.”

Unborn Twins and a Broken Family

The emotional toll deepened with the death of Zainab Muhammad, who was eight months pregnant with twins. Her husband, Sulaiman Abdulkadir Mai Shinkafa, a cleric from Hayin Rigasa, offered a heart-wrenching account of the incident.

“She was due to give birth soon. We had already named the twins Hassan and Hussaini,” he said. “Our six-year-old son, Khalid, was also hit. Her body was crushed, and our son’s bones shattered. We had to use planks to gather what was left of them for burial. No family should endure this kind of loss.”

Allegations of Negligence and Injustice

What has compounded the community’s grief is the alleged inaction and silence from authorities. Eyewitnesses say the vehicle was driven by a young boy from Rigachikun, who reportedly fled the scene along with his passengers. The boy is believed to be the son of a prominent political figure, raising concerns about whether justice will be served.

“No one from the boy’s family has come to visit us. Not even a word from the Kaduna State Government,” said Mai Shinkafa, echoing sentiments of abandonment shared by other grieving families. “It’s as if our lives don’t matter.”

FRSC Confirms Overspeeding, Refers Case to Police

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has confirmed the tragic event. According to the Kaduna Sector Commander, Tijjani Iliyasu, the crash was caused by over-speeding on a rain-soaked, slippery road.

“It was raining heavily, and the driver lost control of the vehicle,” Iliyasu said. “Six people died on the spot, and we rushed the injured to the hospital. Unfortunately, the driver and others inside the car fled using the cover of darkness. We don’t know exactly who was driving.”

He added that the vehicle has since been handed over to the Nigeria Police Force for further investigation.

“Our primary concern at the scene was saving lives, and we did just that. Now, it’s up to the police to identify and bring the culprit to justice,” he said.

Police, State Government Yet to Respond

Efforts to obtain an official response from the Kaduna State Police Command have so far been unsuccessful. Multiple calls to Police Public Relations Officer DSP Mansir Hassan went unanswered as of the time of this report. Additionally, no formal statement has been issued by the Kaduna State Government regarding the incident, a silence that many locals see as deeply troubling.

Community Demands Justice and Empathy

The people of Barakallahu and surrounding communities are in mourning but also demanding justice and accountability. Local leader Imam Rabiu prayed for the victims and expressed hope that the government would eventually act.

“The whole town was in mourning that night. It was a terrible tragedy — eight family members gone at once. May Allah forgive them,” he said.

A resident, Adam, also spoke to the media: “We have never seen anything so painful. The silence from those in power is even more heartbreaking.”

A Cry for Accountability

As families bury their loved ones and struggle to make sense of the loss, one thing remains clear — the demand for justice is growing louder.

“We’ve said our prayers. We’ve buried our dead,” said Mai Yadi. “Now we wait. We wait for the government to show us that our lives matter. The least we expect is empathy, and above all, justice.”