A devastating auto crash involving an articulated vehicle occurred in Kogi State, resulting in the loss of seven lives, including four students from the Federal University, Lokoja. Another student sustained injuries in the accident, which was attributed to brake failure.
According to the FRSC Kogi Sector Commander, Mr. Samuel Oyedeji, the accident took place on the Okene-Lokoja-Abuja Road, causing a severe traffic gridlock that left travelers stranded for hours. The university students, grief-stricken by the loss of their colleagues, blocked the highway in protest.
The victims included three female students and one male student, while another male student was injured. The articulated vehicle, reportedly from the southern part of the country, was en route to Abuja when it lost its brakes, veered into the opposite lane, and crashed into a shuttle bus carrying FUL students.
The rescue operation was carried out by FRSC officers, in collaboration with the police and NSCDC personnel. The injured student was rushed to the Federal Teaching Hospital Lokoja for medical treatment, while the seven bodies were deposited at the mortuary of the same hospital.
The truck driver fled the scene, likely out of fear of being arrested. Oyedeji urged motorists, especially drivers of articulated vehicles, to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy before embarking on any journey to avoid endangering lives.
The highway was eventually reopened after intervention from top officials, including the State Police Commissioner, Mr. Miller Dantawaye, the State Security Adviser, Retired Commodore Jerry Omodara, and the Vice Chancellor of FUL, Prof. Olayemi Akinwumi.
The officials appealed to the students to remain calm and refrain from further actions that could cause additional hardship to the public.
This is heartbreaking. My thoughts are with the families of the students who lost their lives.