A family of three lost their lives on Wednesday in a fatal crash along Mabushi Bridge in Abuja after an encounter with suspected touts spiraled into violence.
According to eyewitnesses, the touts stopped the private vehicle, accusing the driver of flouting their rules by picking up a relative along the busy corridor. When the driver refused to pay the demanded “fine,” the men allegedly forced themselves into the car, seized the steering wheel, and caused the crash.
The vehicle collided with a painted taxi near Mabushi Bridge before veering into a ditch. The family died instantly, while police later cleared the wreckage.
Outraged by the deaths, bystanders reportedly pursued the touts. One was lynched and set on fire, while two others were beaten severely before being rescued by security operatives and rushed to the hospital.
Another account claimed that five people were in the vehicle at the time — two family members and three touts. Regardless of the version, the deaths were confirmed, and the injured survivors were taken to the National Hospital, Abuja, for treatment.
As of press time, the Police Public Relations Officer of the FCT Command, SP Josephine Adeh, had yet to issue an official statement.
The Mabushi axis, linking the Central Business District with Jabi and Wuse, is notorious for traffic congestion, harassment of motorists, and extortion by touts who target both private and commercial drivers. Authorities have previously warned against such illegal collections, but enforcement remains inconsistent.
In July 2024, the FCT Administration and the Directorate of Road Traffic Services announced a clampdown on touts, pledging arrests and prosecutions. The Mabushi crash is likely to reignite concerns over roadside violence and weak enforcement in Abuja.
Road accidents remain one of Nigeria’s biggest public safety threats. The Federal Road Safety Corps reported 5,081 fatalities in 2023, a 21 percent decline from 6,456 deaths in 2022. Despite the improvement, the rate of deadly accidents continues to raise alarm.
The tragedy in Mabushi underscores the urgent need for stronger road safety measures and decisive action against tout-related violence in Nigeria’s capital.