18th February,2025
Taiwo Ogunniyi
A fatal road accident on the Okene-Lokoja-Abuja Highway has left four students of the Federal University Lokoja (FUL) and three others dead, sparking renewed concerns over road safety in Kogi State.
The crash, which occurred on Monday at the Felele axis, involved a timber-laden truck that suffered brake failure and collided with a shuttle bus carrying students.
The Kogi State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), CC Samuel Oyedeji, confirmed the incident, explaining that the truck lost control while en route to Abuja, veering into the opposite lane. “The accident was caused by brake failure, which led to a head-on collision with the bus,” Oyedeji stated.
The crash caused hours of gridlock on the highway, leaving travelers stranded. While emergency responders arrived swiftly, only one person survived and is currently in critical condition at a hospital in Lokoja.
Felele has long been notorious for deadly road accidents. Four years ago, a similar crash involving an articulated truck claimed 22 lives, including students of Kogi State Polytechnic. Despite government efforts to reduce accidents, the tragedies persist.
Expressing concern, the immediate past Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Prince Mathew Kolawole, described the incident as heartbreaking and called for urgent intervention.
“We cannot continue to lose young lives due to preventable accidents. The government must implement stricter traffic regulations and enforce safety measures, especially around institutions like FUL and Kogi State Polytechnic,” he said.
Kolawole attributed the high rate of accidents to poor road design, reckless driving, and ineffective traffic management.
“Authorities must prioritize road safety, improve signage, regulate heavy-duty vehicles, and establish checkpoints to curb overspeeding,” he added.
Human rights activist and Executive Director of Conscience for Human Rights and Conflict Resolution (CHRCR), Idris Miliki Abdul, described the recurring accidents as “one death too many.”
He called for urgent collaboration among the federal and state governments, FRSC, and security agencies to prevent further tragedies. “Felele is home to a federal university, a state polytechnic, and an international market, making it a high-risk area. More must be done to ensure safety,” he said.
Reacting to the tragedy, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo dispatched Deputy Governor Joel Salifu to Federal University Lokoja for a condolence visit. He assured the school community that the government is committed to ensuring student safety and has notified the Minister of Works for urgent intervention.
The governor also directed the Kogi Road Maintenance Agency to assess the highway for the construction of pedestrian bridges and instructed the FRSC to establish checkpoints to regulate traffic speed.
Additionally, he set up a committee comprising government officials, university representatives, student leaders, and road transport stakeholders to develop lasting solutions to frequent road crashes in Felele.
During the visit, FUL Vice Chancellor, Professor Olayemi Akinwumi, appealed to the state government to construct an alternative route and provide more buses for students.
Student Union President, Comrade Benjamin Olorunfemi Timothy, urged the government to implement stricter safety policies and construct pedestrian facilities.
He also called on the police to prioritize student protection rather than harassment.
The deputy governor later chaired an emergency meeting to discuss road safety measures, security around student lodgings, and support for bereaved families.
Governor Ododo reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to working with the Federal Ministry of Works to address the issues permanently.
As families mourn their loved ones, the tragedy has reignited public outcry over road safety failures. Many are demanding urgent action to prevent further loss of lives on Nigeria’s highways.
