Father in Nigeria Shares Heartbreak After Daughters Killed

A Nigerian father shared his heart-wrenching grief with the BBC after his three young daughters tragically lost their lives in a car accident on Saturday. Abu Uwais recounted how his daughters, aged 10, eight, and six, were filled with joy as they set out from home during the festive Eid season, adorned in new clothes and shoes he had lovingly purchased for them.

The driver responsible for the accident has been apprehended and is set to face charges of reckless driving following the devastating incident in Toto, a small town in central Nasarawa state. The vehicle involved was destroyed by an enraged crowd that had gathered at the scene.

Mr. Uwais, alongside his wife Fatima, mourned the loss of their beloved daughters, who were their only children. The family had been enjoying the Eid festivities until tragedy struck.

According to Mr. Uwais, the girls had just visited their uncle’s house and were standing outside when a speeding driver collided with them, causing them to be struck by the vehicle and two electric poles. Mr. Uwais received a distressing call urging him to rush to the hospital, where he was confronted with the devastating reality of the accident.

Despite efforts to save them, only ten-year-old Nusaiba survived briefly in the hospital, while eight-year-old Rumasa’u and six-year-old Nana Maryam tragically succumbed to their injuries on the spot.

Nusaiba, described by her father as one of the brightest students in her class, had also memorized a significant portion of the Holy Quran. The profound loss of his daughters has left Mr. Uwais and his wife grappling with overwhelming sorrow.

In the wake of this tragedy, the community and the girls’ school offered their condolences, highlighting the impact the loss has had on those who knew and loved them.

The incident underscores the pressing issue of road safety in Nigeria, where thousands of lives are lost to road accidents each year. Official statistics reveal that over 1,300 people perished in road accidents in the final quarter of 2023, emphasizing the urgent need for measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.