Students of Federal University Lokoja staged a protest on Wednesday, threatening to block the Abuja-Lagos Highway if the Federal Government fails to take action against the frequent killing of their colleagues by reckless truck drivers.
Speaking during the demonstration at the Felele Campus, the Student Union Government (SUG) President, Benjamin Timothy, expressed frustration over the continuous loss of student lives in avoidable road accidents.
The protest follows a tragic accident on Monday, where five students were killed after an articulated truck lost control and crushed a shuttle bus carrying students. According to Timothy, this incident brings the total number of students killed in similar accidents to 12 in just two months.
“This peaceful demonstration is a warning to the authorities. If nothing drastic is done to stop this massacre, we will be left with no choice but to block the highway,” he declared.
Demands and Deadline
The students have given the government a 72-hour ultimatum to take action, warning that they will stage massive protests if their concerns are ignored.
“We came to this university to study, not to die. We can’t stand by while reckless truck drivers keep killing us like chickens,” Timothy stated.
The Chairman of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) in Kogi, Gomina Ahmed-Kabir, also condemned the inaction of both the federal and state governments. He insisted that if nothing was done, students should not be blamed for taking matters into their own hands.
Government Response
In response, retired Commodore Jerry Omodara, Security Adviser to Governor Ahmed Ododo, pleaded with the students to remain patient.
He assured them that within 24 hours of the Monday accident, the governor had set up a committee led by Deputy Governor Joel Salifu, with the FUL Vice-Chancellor as a member, to find lasting solutions to the issue.
“We are expecting the Minister of Works in Lokoja today (Wednesday) for discussions on effective measures to prevent further accidents,” Omodara added.
FRSC Speaks on Safety Measures
Samuel Oyedeji, Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Kogi, expressed sadness over the repeated accidents on the highway.
He emphasized that the FRSC is conducting routine checks on vehicles to ensure they are roadworthy and that drivers comply with safety regulations.
“These efforts are aimed at ensuring safe and smooth driving to prevent further loss of lives,” Oyedeji said.
