Students of Federal University Lokoja (FUL), Kogi State, have taken to the streets in massive protest following a tragic road accident that claimed the lives of seven students and a bus driver.
The accident, which occurred on Monday at around 2:30 PM, involved a speeding articulated truck carrying wood and jerrycans of palm oil, which lost control and crashed into a school shuttle bus filled with students.
Eyewitnesses reported that the shuttle bus was about to leave when the out-of-control truck rammed into it, crushing it completely.
The impact was devastating, leaving seven students dead on the spot and several others injured.
In response, outraged students launched a protest on Tuesday, demanding immediate government intervention to prevent similar tragedies.
Their key demands include restricting heavy-duty trucks from operating during the daytime and improving road safety measures near the university. The protests continued into Wednesday morning, with students gathering at the university gate to express their grievances.
Emergency responders, including the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), rushed to the scene to rescue trapped victims. According to Kogi State FRSC Sector Commander, Samuel Oyedeji, several bodies were taken to the morgue for identification, while the injured were rushed to the Federal Teaching Hospital, Lokoja, and the Kogi State Specialist Hospital for treatment.
As tensions rise, Kogi State Deputy Governor visited the university on Wednesday to sympathize with the grieving students and the university community.
However, students remain resolute in their demands for lasting safety measures to prevent future accidents.
With protests still ongoing, residents and students are urging authorities to enforce stricter traffic regulations to prevent further loss of lives on the roads.
