In a tragic incident on Saturday, April 5, 2025, Nigerian gospel singer Kekere Jesu and three other gospel ministers lost their lives in a devastating road accident in Ogun State.
The crash, which involved seven vehicles, occurred around 4 pm in the Gbara area on the Ikorodu-Sagamu road. The harrowing accident claimed the lives of 18 individuals, including a Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) officer who had been on-site to assist with the situation.
The loss of such influential figures in the gospel music community has left many in mourning, as they were known not only for their musical contributions but also for their spiritual leadership and positive influence on their followers.
Florence Okpe, the spokesperson for the Federal Road Safety Corps in Ogun, confirmed the details of the crash. She explained that the tragic event involved a white DAF truck, a Toyota Hiace bus, a Honda saloon car, and a Nissan pickup, among other vehicles.
The crash occurred when excessive speed combined with brake failure led to a catastrophic chain of events.
According to the Federal Road Safety Corps, “The fatal multiple crash which occurred as a result of excessive speed and brake failure at exactly 1600HRS in Gbara area of Ogun State involved 7 vehicles in the category of a white DAF truck with registration number T14007LA, Toyota Hiace Bus with registration number AGL752YC, Honda saloon car bearing the registration number HET680, and a Nissan Pickup Van with registration number STF10204.”
The tragedy was further compounded by the fact that only one person survived the accident, sustaining injuries. The other 17 victims, including 12 male adults, five female adults, and a female child, tragically lost their lives.
Shehu Mohammed, the corps marshal of the FRSC, expressed his deep sadness over the incident, calling for motorists to take greater responsibility for their actions on the road. He stressed that such accidents, which could have been prevented, should serve as a warning to all road users about the importance of caution and safe driving practices.
“Only one person walked away with an injury. This incident reminds us of the serious consequences of speeding and neglecting vehicle maintenance,” he said, urging drivers to be more responsible behind the wheel.
The vehicles involved in the crash were diverse, including a Nissan pickup belonging to the Nigeria Police Force, two Bajaj motorcycles, and the white DAF truck, which lacked clear registration details. The nature of the accident and the vehicles involved highlights the chaotic and dangerous conditions on the roads, which are often exacerbated by factors like mechanical failure and human error.
The Federal Road Safety Corps report further detailed the exact nature of the crash, stating that “There was only one survivor from the crash that claimed 17 lives,” highlighting the severity of the collision and the widespread destruction caused by the accident.
As the community grapples with the loss of so many lives, including the beloved gospel singer Kekere Jesu and his colleagues, the FRSC and other authorities continue to stress the importance of road safety. The tragic incident has left families in mourning and raised awareness about the importance of vehicle upkeep and cautious driving.
The lives lost are a stark reminder of the dangers that persist on Nigeria’s roads, and it is hoped that this tragedy will prompt more attention to road safety to prevent further fatalities in the future.
