By Adesakin Adefemi
A devastating road accident has claimed the lives of eight students of the University of Jos (UNIJOS) in Plateau State, sending shockwaves across the academic community and beyond. The gruesome crash occurred in the early hours of Thursday morning, around 2:30 a.m., along Zaria Road, opposite Unity Bank, in Jos, the state capital.
Eyewitnesses reported that the bus carrying the students was travelling at an alarming speed and attempted a dangerous overtaking manoeuvre, which led to the driver’s loss of control and the fatal collision with a trailer. Seven students died instantly, while another succumbed to injuries at the hospital, bringing the total number of fatalities to eight.
The victims, all male, were identified as students of the University of Jos, and their untimely demise has left the academic community in mourning. The three survivors are currently receiving medical attention, and their conditions are being closely monitored.
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Public Education Officer for Plateau State, Peter Longsan, confirmed the incident, stating that the FRSC was alerted promptly and rushed to the scene to provide assistance.
Medical personnel certified the victims dead upon arrival, and the bodies have been deposited at the mortuary pending autopsy and release to their families.
Reacting to the incident, the FRSC Sector Commander in Plateau State, Olajide Mogaji, urged drivers to avoid unsafe practices such as overspeeding, night journeys, dangerous overtaking, driving under the influence, or driving while fatigued. He emphasized that these behaviors are leading contributors to fatal crashes, and it is imperative that drivers take responsibility for their actions on the road.
Mogaji encouraged the public to report road emergencies using the FRSC toll-free number 122 and expressed condolences to the families of the victims, wishing the survivors a speedy recovery.
The FRSC has vowed to continue working towards reducing road accidents and promoting safe driving practices in the state.
The accident has sparked an outpouring of grief and tributes from across the state, with many calling for increased road safety awareness and measures to prevent such tragedies in the future. The university community is in shock, and arrangements are being made for the burial of the victims.
As the investigation into the crash continues, the FRSC is urging all road users to exercise caution and prudence while on the road, emphasizing that road safety is a collective responsibility.
The agency has also announced plans to intensify road safety campaigns and enforcement efforts to curb the rising tide of road accidents in the state.
