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Protesting students of Federal University Lokoja (FUL) have threatened to block the Abuja-Lagos Highway if the federal government fails to stop the incessant killing of their colleagues by trucks. This ultimatum was issued after five students were killed on Monday when an articulated vehicle lost control and crushed a shuttle bus carrying students.¹

Benjamin Timothy, FUL president, Student Union Government (SUG), expressed frustration over the continuous loss of student lives in avoidable road accidents. “The five students killed on Monday have brought the number to 12 students killed by trucks in avoidable accidents in just a space of two months,” he decried.

The students staged a peaceful demonstration on Wednesday, which Timothy described as “a signal to the authorities concerned to do something drastic about the continuous massacre of innocent students along the highway, or they would barricade the highway”.

The students have given the authorities 72 hours to address the issue. “We have given the authorities 72 hours to address the incessant killings of our fellow students, or we will file out of the streets in huge protest,” Timothy warned. “We can’t keep folding our arms to see those trucks keep on killing us like chickens. Most of us came to this university from afar in search of knowledge, and not to die”.

Gomina Ahmed-Kabir, chairman of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) in Kogi, also condemned the inaction of the federal and state governments. He stated that the authorities should not blame the students if they blocked the highway to drive home their demands

In response, retired Commodore Jerry Omodara, the security adviser to Governor Ahmed Ododo, pleaded with the protesting students to give the government more time to address the issue. “We are pleading with them to exercise some patience. We are even expecting the Minister of Works here in Lokoja on Wednesday for us to brainstorm on better measures to be taken on the matter”.

Samuel Oyedeji, sector commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Kogi, expressed sadness over the tragic accidents witnessed along the highway. “All these efforts are aimed at ensuring smooth and safe driving to avoid any form of accident that can bring about loss of lives and property,” he said. 

Mr. Oyedeji emphasized the importance of road safety and the need for drivers to comply with traffic rules to prevent accidents.

Meanwhile, the students are awaiting the government’s response to their ultimatum. They have vowed to block the Abuja-Lagos Highway if their demands are not met within the stipulated 72-hour timeframe.

As the situation unfolds, concerns are growing about the safety of students and other road users in the area. The federal and state governments are under pressure to find a lasting solution to the problem of incessant accidents on the highway.

In a related development, Governor Ahmed Ododo has constituted a committee to investigate the causes of the accidents and recommend measures to prevent future occurrences. The committee, headed by the deputy governor, Joel Salifu, is expected to submit its report within two weeks.

The FUL vice chancellor is also a member of the committee, which is seen as a positive step towards addressing the concerns of the students and other stakeholders. However, the students remain skeptical and are demanding concrete actions to prevent further loss of lives on the highway.

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