Fatal Accident Claims Seven Students in Lokoja, Sparking Protests
Tragic incident happened on Monday, February 18, 2025, seven students from the Federal University Lokoja (FUL) and a bus driver lost their lives in a devastating road accident involving a truck and a school shuttle bus. The collision occurred around 2:30 PM when an articulated truck transporting wood and jerrycans of palm oil lost control and crashed into the stationary shuttle bus, which was preparing to depart with students. Eyewitnesses recounted the harrowing scene, noting the complete destruction of the bus upon impact.
In response to the tragedy, FUL students initiated protests on Tuesday, February 19, blocking roads leading to the university and demanding immediate government intervention to enhance road safety. The demonstrators called for the restriction of heavy-duty trucks during daytime hours to prevent similar incidents in the future. The protests continued into Wednesday, reflecting the students’ determination to see tangible changes implemented.
Emergency responders, including the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), were promptly dispatched to the scene to assist victims. Kogi State FRSC Sector Commander, Samuel Oyedeji, confirmed the fatalities and stated that the injured were transported to the Federal Teaching Hospital, Lokoja, and the Kogi State Specialist Hospital for medical attention. The exact number of injured individuals remains under assessment.
The incident has intensified calls for stricter traffic regulations and improved infrastructure around the university. Students emphasized the urgent need for measures to prevent heavy-duty vehicles from endangering lives, particularly in areas with high pedestrian activity. The Kogi State Deputy Governor visited the university entrance to express condolences and engage with the aggrieved students, acknowledging their concerns and the necessity for prompt action.
This tragic event is not isolated; similar accidents have plagued the region in recent months. In January 2025, six individuals perished, and 60 others sustained injuries in a road accident near the Zone 8 Roundabout along Hassan Katsina Road in Lokoja. The accident involved an articulated truck that lost control, leading to catastrophic consequences. These recurring incidents underscore the pressing need for comprehensive road safety reforms in Kogi State.
As the university community mourns the loss of its students, the broader public echoes the demand for effective measures to ensure the safety of all road users. The ongoing protests signify a collective call to action, urging authorities to implement and enforce policies that will prevent such tragedies from recurring.