The University of Jos (UNIJOS) community has been plunged into mourning after a tragic accident claimed the lives of eight students in the early hours of Thursday.
The crash, which occurred around 2:30 a.m., involved a trailer and a bus carrying eleven students. The collision happened opposite Unity Bank along Zaria Road in Jos, Plateau State.
According to Peter Longsan, Public Education Officer of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Plateau State Sector Command, seven students were already dead when emergency responders arrived at the scene. An eighth victim later died in the hospital, bringing the total number of fatalities to eight.
The three surviving students—all male, like the deceased—are receiving medical care.
An eyewitness noted that the bus was travelling at high speed and attempted a wrongful overtaking, causing the driver to lose control before ramming into the trailer.
FRSC Sector Commander, Corps Commander Olajide Mogaji, said a full investigation into the incident has begun. He warned motorists, particularly commercial drivers, against night travel, speeding, dangerous driving, and driving while fatigued or under the influence.
“The government needs you alive and wants you to live life to the fullest this festive season and beyond,” Mogaji said. He urged the public to make use of the FRSC toll-free line 122 to report road emergencies.
The University of Jos has not yet issued an official statement regarding the deaths.
