Eight University of Jos students tragically lost their lives in a road accident early Thursday morning on Zaria Road in Jos, Plateau State. The collision, which involved a bus carrying students and a trailer, occurred opposite Unity Bank, leaving families, classmates, and the wider community in shock. Eyewitnesses reported that eleven students were on board the bus, seven of whom were pronounced dead at the scene, while another later succumbed to injuries at the hospital, bringing the death toll to eight. Three others are currently receiving treatment for their injuries, and all victims were male.
According to witnesses, the bus was speeding and attempted a risky overtaking manoeuvre, which caused the driver to lose control and crash. Emergency responders arrived promptly at the scene to provide assistance, but the force of the collision left little chance for survival for many of the passengers. The incident highlights ongoing concerns over road safety, particularly regarding reckless driving and overspeeding.
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) confirmed the tragedy through its Public Education Officer, Peter Longsan, who stated that the Plateau State Sector Command received a distress call around 2:30 a.m. regarding the crash. Longsan detailed that the bus and trailer were involved in a violent collision, with initial reports indicating seven immediate fatalities, and one more victim later dying in hospital. The remaining three injured students are under medical care.
Reacting to the incident, the Sector Commander of the FRSC in Plateau, Olajide Mogaji, urged motorists to exercise extreme caution, especially when travelling at night. He warned against speeding, dangerous driving, driving under the influence, and travelling while fatigued or unwell, noting that such behaviours are major contributors to road fatalities. Mogaji emphasised that safe driving is essential, particularly during festive periods, as the government encourages citizens to stay alive and enjoy life. He also reminded the public to report crashes or other road emergencies using the FRSC toll-free emergency number. The tragic accident has once again drawn attention to road safety challenges in Plateau State and across Nigeria. It underscores the urgent need for drivers to adhere strictly to traffic regulations, for authorities to enforce road safety measures, and for road users to be vigilant, especially during high-risk periods. Families and friends of the deceased are left mourning the sudden loss of young lives full of potential, while the university and local community work to support the injured and bereaved.
