Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Member representing Yabo State Constituency in the Sokoto State House of Assembly, Hon. Abubakar Shehu Shamaki Yabo, has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic death of nine young men from Yabo Local Government Area who lost their lives in a road accident while travelling to Lagos in search of better economic opportunities. In a condolence message made available to journalists in Sokoto on Saturday, July 18, 2026, the lawmaker described the incident as a devastating tragedy that has thrown the victims' families and the entire Yabo community into mourning.
According to the lawmaker, the deceased youths had embarked on the journey with hopes of securing legitimate means of livelihood, but their dreams were tragically cut short by the fatal accident. "It is with a heavy heart that I received the heartbreaking news of the road accident that claimed the lives of nine young men from Yabo," Shamaki said. He described the victims as hardworking and ambitious youths whose deaths represent a monumental loss to their families, the constituency, and Sokoto State. "This painful incident is a monumental loss. These were young men with dreams, ambitions and the determination to build a better future for themselves and their loved ones. Their untimely death while pursuing lawful means of livelihood is deeply painful," he said.
The lawmaker noted that the tragedy reflects the difficult economic realities forcing many Nigerian youths to leave their communities in search of opportunities elsewhere. He said the loss has left an emotional scar on Yabo and the wider Shagari/Yabo Federal Constituency, adding that no words could adequately console the bereaved families. On behalf of the people of Yabo State Constituency, Shamaki extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased, traditional rulers, and residents of Yabo Local Government Area. He prayed for Almighty Allah to forgive the shortcomings of the departed souls and grant them Aljannatul Firdaus, while giving their families the strength to bear the painful loss.
The lawmaker also called on the Federal Road Safety Corps and other relevant agencies to intensify efforts to reduce road crashes across the country. He further urged governments at all levels to invest more in youth empowerment, skills acquisition and job creation programmes to provide young people with sustainable economic opportunities closer to their communities. "These young men left home with dreams of a better life. Their passing at a time they were seeking to better their livelihood is heartbreaking and a huge loss to us all," he added.
The tragic incident has again drawn attention to the increasing number of young Nigerians embarking on risky long-distance journeys in search of better livelihoods amid rising unemployment and economic hardship. The deaths of the nine youths have sparked widespread grief in Yabo, with condolences continuing to pour in from across Sokoto State. The incident has also renewed concerns over youth migration in search of employment and the risks associated with long-distance road travel in Nigeria. This tragedy follows a similar incident in June 2026, when at least 18 travellers from Sokoto State lost their lives in a road accident along the Sokoto–Yauri highway in Kebbi State while returning home from Lagos, where they had also travelled in search of livelihoods.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters News | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments