Nine young men from Yabo Local Government Area of Sokoto State have lost their lives in a road accident while travelling to Lagos in search of better economic opportunities. The member representing Yabo State Constituency in the Sokoto State House of Assembly, Hon. Abubakar Shehu Shamaki Yabo, disclosed this in a condolence message made available to journalists in Sokoto yesterday, Saturday, July 18, 2026.

The lawmaker expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, describing the incident as a devastating tragedy that has thrown the victims’ families and the entire Yabo community into mourning.

According to him, the deceased youths left home 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 huge 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.

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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 (FRSC) 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.

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. (Adapted from a Sun report)