- Three other students receiving treatment for injuries
The Governor of Plateau State, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has described the death of eight students of the University of Jos in a motor accident on Thursday as a tragic loss to the state and to Nigeria as a whole.
He said the students’ death, including the President of the National Association of Plateau State Students (NAPSS), is a colossal loss to their families, the University of Jos community, the wider student body, Plateau State, and the nation at large.
A statement signed by his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Gyang Bere, quoted Governor Mutfwang as saying the news was devastating and that the government is deeply grieved by the painful incident.
Also expressing concern that several other students sustained varying degrees of injuries, the Governor prayed for their quick and full recovery and immediately directed the Commissioner for Health to ensure all injured students receive prompt and comprehensive medical attention.
Governor Mutfwang further assured the bereaved families of the government’s full support in ensuring that the deceased students are given a dignified and befitting burial.
He also instructed the Commissioner for Youth and Sports, along with the Special Adviser on Youth Mobilisation, to work closely with the affected families, student bodies, and the University in preparing for the burial arrangements.
“On behalf of the government and people of Plateau State, I extend my deepest condolences to the families of the departed students, the University of Jos community, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) Joint Campus Council, and the entire Plateau student constituency.
“May God grant them the strength and comfort to bear this heartbreaking loss,” he said.
The Crash That Claimed Eight Lives
Confirmed reports said the unfortunate crash, which threw the University of Jos (UNIJOS) community into mourning, involved a trailer and a bus conveying eleven students.
It was gathered that the accident occured around 2:30 a.m. opposite Unity Bank along Zaria Road, Jos, Plateau State.
Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Plateau State Sector Command Public Education Officer, Peter Longsan, while confirming the incident, said seven students were found dead when emergency responders arrived at the scene.
He said another victim died in the hospital, bringing the total fatalities to eight while the remaining three students, all male like the deceased, are receiving treatment at an unnamed hospital.
According to eyewitness’ account, the bus, travelling at high speed, attempted a wrongful overtaking, and this caused the driver to lose control before colliding with the trailer.
Also reacting to the unfortunate incident, FRSC Sector Commander, Corps Commander Olajide Mogaji, said a detailed investigation was underway.
He pleaded with motorists, especially commercial drivers, to avoid night journeys, speeding, dangerous driving, and driving when fatigued or under the influence.
Commander Mogaji further said, “The government needs you alive and wants you to live life to the fullest this festive season and beyond,” even as he called on the public to dial the FRSC toll-free line 122 to report crashes or road emergencies
Meanwhile, an official statement regarding the deaths was still being expected from the University of Jos as of the time of this report
