Eight students of the University of Jos (UNIJOS) lost their lives on Thursday in a tragic road accident along Zaria Road, Jos, opposite Unity Bank in Plateau State.
The crash, which occurred in the early hours of the morning, involved a trailer and a commercial bus conveying the students.
According to eyewitnesses, a total of eleven males were on board the bus at the time of the incident.
They reported that the bus was speeding and attempted a wrongful overtaking manoeuvre before the driver lost control, resulting in the deadly collision.
Seven passengers died at the scene, while another victim later passed away in the hospital, bringing the death toll to eight.
The remaining three occupants sustained varying degrees of injuries and are receiving treatment in the hospital.
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) confirmed the incident.
In a statement, the Corps’ Public Education Officer in Plateau State, Peter Longsan, noted that the distress call was received at about 2:30 a.m. and that rescue officers were immediately deployed to the scene.
He said three of the passengers are currently receiving medical treatment, adding that all the victims were male.
The Sector Commander of the FRSC in Plateau State, Olajide Mogaji, expressed concern over the recurring pattern of preventable road crashes during the festive period.
He urged motorists to avoid night travel, excessive speeding, dangerous overtaking, driving under the influence, and driving while fatigued.
“The government needs you alive and wants you to enjoy life to the fullest this festive season and beyond,” Mogaji said.
He also encouraged road users to promptly report emergencies by calling the FRSC toll-free number 122.
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