A night-time crash that claimed the lives of eight students of the University of Jos (UNIJOS) has stirred growing concern over student travel safety, even as the institution maintains silence more than 24 hours after the incident.
The accident, which occurred around 2:30am opposite Unity Bank along Zaria Road, involved a trailer and a bus transporting eleven students.
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) said seven victims were already lifeless when emergency teams arrived, while one more student died in the hospital, bringing the toll to eight.
The remaining three students, all males like the deceased, are receiving treatment.
While the tragedy has plunged the university community into shock, the incident is also drawing renewed attention to the risks associated with late-night transportation among students, particularly during examination and festive periods.
An eyewitness told Channels TV that the bus was travelling at high speed and attempted a wrongful overtaking, a manoeuvre that caused it to lose control before crashing into the trailer.
FRSC officials say the cause is now the subject of a formal probe.
The Sector Commander, Corps Commander, Olajide Mogaji, confirmed that a detailed investigation was underway and used the moment to issue what he described as a crucial seasonal reminder to commercial and private drivers.
Mogaji warned against night journeys, speeding, dangerous driving, fatigue, and driving under the influence.
“The government needs you alive and wants you to live life to the fullest this festive season and beyond,” he said, urging the public to dial the FRSC toll-free line 122 to report crashes or emergencies.
Observers say the silence from the University of Jos has added to students’ anxiety as families await formal communication from the management.
As of the time of filing this report, the institution has not issued any statement regarding the deaths or the ongoing investigation.
The tragedy has revived broader conversations across the Plateau academic community about the need for stricter transport guidelines, safer student mobility practices, and emergency response preparedness in and around university campuses.
Leave a Reply