…As Eyewitness Blame Speeding, Demand Urgent Safety Measure
From Kenechukwu Obiajuru, Yenagoa
A deadly crash between a tipper truck and a commercial tricycle (Keke Napep) has once again thrown the Tombia–Amassoma corridor of Bayelsa State into mourning. The collision, which occurred in broad daylight on Tuesday, claimed the lives of two passengers instantly and left several others injured.
The accident happened near a notorious bend along the highway, where poor road markings and frequent speeding have made it a black spot for commuters. According to eyewitnesses, the tipper truck was descending the slope at high speed when it lost control and slammed into the tricycle.
“The driver was moving too fast, and by the time he tried to swerve, it was already too late. The Keke had no chance,” recounted Godspower Okolo, a trader who witnessed the crash.
“We’ve been complaining about reckless truck drivers on this road for years, but nothing changes.”
The violent impact left the tricycle mangled beyond recognition. Good Samaritans rushed to the scene, pulling survivors from the wreckage and transporting the injured to the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa. The bodies of the deceased were later evacuated to a nearby morgue.
Community Outrage
The incident has renewed calls for stricter traffic enforcement. Residents have demanded that the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and the State Peace Command intensify patrols, introduce speed breakers, and conduct regular safety checks on heavy-duty vehicles.
“If the authorities don’t act now, more lives will be lost,” lamented Mrs. Ebike Ekain, a local community leader. “We need speed bumps, warning signs, and proper driver training for those operating these massive trucks.”
Official Silence
At press time, neither the FRSC nor the State Peace Command had issued a formal statement on the crash. Their silence has heightened public frustration, with relatives of tricycle operators visiting hospitals and mortuaries in frantic search of missing loved ones.
A Road of Blood and Tears
Statistics from the Bayelsa State Road Safety Office reveal that the Tombia–Amassoma stretch has recorded at least 15 serious crashes in the last 18 months, many involving tipper trucks and commercial tricycles. Poor road design, inadequate enforcement, and driver negligence have been identified as recurring causes.
Recommended Safety Interventions
Installation of Speed Breakers: Particularly at accident-prone bends.
Compulsory Roadworthiness Checks: For tipper trucks and other heavy-duty vehicles.
Public Safety Awareness: Regular campaigns for both drivers and passengers.
Increased Police and FRSC Presence: Especially during peak hours.
Until such measures are taken, commuters and residents fear that the Tombia–Amassoma Road will continue to claim lives, turning an essential route into a corridor of tragedy.
