From: Olanrewaju Lawal, Birnin-Kebbi

Twenty- two traders, including a  motorcyclist, have been reportedly burnt to death in a ghastly accident that occurred at Giron Masa along Koko- Yauri road in Kebbi State.

It was gathered that the incident, according to eyewitness happened, on Monday night, when a Toyota Canter vehicle tried to avoid potholes on the road that was still under reconstruction and hit a motorcyclist  in the process of dodging it and  died on the spot.

Sources revealed that the vehicle which were loaded with traders, somersaulted and fell into a ditch before it caught fire because of the Jerry cans of petrol and water pumping machines it carried and burnt the  twenty-two traders to death.

Related News

Our Correspondent gathered that eight  co-traders that  narrowly escaped from the accident with the help of people and are currently receiving treatment at the general hospital in Yauri.

While confirming the incident, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Muazu Dakingari said Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu was at the scene of the accident and has led a high powered delegation to participate in the burial of the victims in a mass grave near the accident scene as well as paying condolence visit to families of the deceased.

While briefing the governor Bagudu on the incident, the Sole Administrator of Shanga Local Government area, Alhaji Garba Salihu Takware and the DPO in charge of Yauri, said the vehicle was carrying traders that were returning from Tungan Giwa and Dalan Ruwa back to their homes when the accident occurred.

The Kebbi State Police Public Relation Officer (PPRO), DSP Suleiman Mustaph confirmed  the accident in a telephone interview with our Correspondent said it happened when the vehicle ran into a motorcyclist.

He added that the driver was trying to avoid a porthole but fell into a ditch and the vehicle burst into flames killing the traders.