By HeadlineNews.News Political & Regional Affairs Desk | July 21, 2025
Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, narrowly escaped a tragic accident on Sunday evening when his convoy was involved in a road crash along the Daura-Katsina Road. The incident occurred while the governor was returning from Daura, where he had received mourners at the residence of late former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away just a week ago.
According to a statement from the governor’s spokesperson, Ibrahim Mohammed, the accident was described as “minor”, and no life-threatening injuries were reported.
> “Katsina State Governor Malam Dikko Umaru Radda was involved in a minor road accident this evening along the Daura-Katsina Road, while carrying out his official duties in service to the people of Katsina State,” the statement read.
Governor Radda is reported to be in stable condition, undergoing routine medical evaluations at a local medical facility “as a precautionary measure.”
A Governor in Grief, A State in Mourning
This incident marks a dramatic moment in what has already been an emotionally intense week for Governor Radda and the people of Katsina State.
Since the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari, Radda has made multiple visits to Daura, Buhari’s hometown, to coordinate official mourning arrangements and receive national dignitaries. He drew widespread public attention during the state burial when he was seen breaking down in tears as the Nigerian military gave Buhari final honors before his burial.
The governor, who has often referred to Buhari as a “mentor, leader, and guardian of northern values,” has been at the emotional center of the state’s grief. Sunday’s accident occurred during yet another return journey from Daura—a symbolic act of loyalty that nearly cost him his life.
Daura-Katsina Road: A Vital but Dangerous Artery
The Daura-Katsina Road is a critical regional route in northwestern Nigeria, serving thousands of commuters and state officials. However, it is notoriously accident-prone, due to a combination of:
Poor road conditions
High-speed convoys
Limited enforcement of road safety standards
Inadequate maintenance in rural stretches
According to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Katsina State recorded over 520 road accidents in 2023, with the Daura–Katsina corridor ranking among the top 5 most dangerous road segments in the Northwest.
“The risks on that road are known and consistent,” said retired FRSC Marshal Musa Adamu.
“What saved the governor may have been the swift response of his convoy and access to immediate medical care—a privilege many ordinary citizens don’t have.”
Radda’s Political Trajectory and Symbolic Timing
Governor Radda, elected in 2023 under the banner of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has positioned himself as a progressive reformer with deep respect for the northern political establishment. His emotional connection to the late Buhari is well-documented, both politically and personally.
This accident—occurring in the direct context of mourning Buhari—has stirred emotional responses across the state. Many see it as a near-tragic reminder of the heavy burden regional leaders carry during national transitions.
“This incident shows how vulnerable even the powerful can be when serving their people,” said Prof. Amina Bako of Ahmadu Bello University.
“It reminds us that governance in Nigeria often demands physical and emotional sacrifice.”
Public Reaction and Call for Action
Across social media and within Katsina State, citizens have expressed relief at the governor’s survival and renewed concern over road safety.
Civil society groups are calling for immediate audit and rehabilitation of the Daura-Katsina road, especially given its strategic importance following Buhari’s burial and the likely increase in traffic to Daura.
Political observers also view the governor’s accident as a moment that could galvanize broader state investment in infrastructure and emergency response capacity, particularly in rural areas.
Conclusion: A Narrow Escape, A Broader Wake-Up Call
While Governor Radda remains in good health and high spirits, the event is a stark reminder of Nigeria’s infrastructure deficit, even at the highest levels of governance.
As Katsina continues to mourn one of its greatest sons, and as the state’s governor narrowly escapes tragedy in the line of duty, the urgent need for safer roads and better emergency preparedness becomes impossible to ignore.
Suggested Headline:
“Katsina Governor Escapes Crash on Daura Road While Honoring Buhari: A Close Call Amid a Week of Mourning”
Headlinenews.news Special Investigative Report.
