The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has confirmed the death of 20 people in a multiple-vehicle crash along the Hawan Kibo-Jos route in Plateau State.

The crash occurred at about 3:32 p.m. on Friday after Sopp Water Falls, with preliminary findings indicating brake failure and loss of control as likely causes.

The FRSC Corps Public Education Officer, Mr Osondu Ohaeri, said 25 people were involved in the crash, comprising 23 males and two females.

He said five people, including three males and two females, sustained injuries, while 20 males died in the incident. Four vehicles were involved, including a Howo Sino truck, a Toyota Corolla, a Toyota Bummer bus operated by Yankari Express and a motorcycle.

The injured victims were evacuated to Riyom General Hospital and Vom Christian Hospital, while the bodies of the deceased were deposited at the Jos University Teaching Hospital Mortuary. FRSC rescue personnel also cleared the obstruction and restored the affected section of the highway to traffic.

The Corps Marshal, Malam Shehu Mohammed, expressed sadness over the loss of lives and directed the crash investigation team to conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident, particularly the reported brake failure and loss of control.

Mohammed urged motorists, especially commercial and heavy-duty vehicle operators, to prioritise roadworthiness, proper maintenance, speed management and responsible driving.

He also appealed to drivers to exercise greater caution on the highway, particularly when negotiating bends and steep sections of roads.

The Corps Marshal extended condolences to the families and associates of those who died and wished the injured victims a speedy recovery.

He urged all road users to take personal responsibility for safety, stressing that no journey should be considered so urgent that it ends in the loss of human lives.