Eight students of the University of Jos lost their lives in a fatal accident on Thursday along Zaria Road, opposite Unity Bank, in Jos, Plateau State.
The crash, which occurred in the early hours of the morning, involved a trailer and a bus transporting eleven students. Eyewitnesses reported that the bus was travelling at high speed and attempted a dangerous overtaking maneuver before the driver lost control, leading to the collision.
Seven students died at the scene, while another passed away later in the hospital, bringing the total number of fatalities to eight. The remaining three survivors are currently receiving treatment. All the victims were male.
The Federal Road Safety Corps Public Education Officer for Plateau State, Peter Longsan, confirmed the incident. He explained that the FRSC was alerted around 2:30 a.m. and that medical personnel certified the victims dead upon arrival.
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.
He encouraged the public to report road emergencies using the FRSC toll-free number 122.
