The accident occurred around 2:30 pm on Monday when an articulated truck carrying wood and jerrycans of palm oil lost control and crashed into a shuttle bus transporting students.
The management of the Federal University of Lokoja in Kogi State has announced the indefinite closure of the institution following the tragic death of seven students and a bus driver in a fatal road accident involving a truck and a school shuttle bus.
The accident occurred around 2:30 pm on Monday when an articulated truck carrying wood and jerrycans of palm oil lost control and crashed into a shuttle bus transporting students.
Eyewitnesses reported that the bus was on its way to the university when the speeding truck collided with it, completely crushing the vehicle.
Seven students were confirmed dead at the scene of the accident.
“The driver of the truck lost control and rammed into the school shuttle bus, which was already filled with students and set to leave. The impact was devastating,” a student told SaharaReporters.
Since Monday, students have staged massive protests and public demonstrations, demanding that authorities implement measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
In response, the Federal University of Lokoja announced its indefinite closure in a circular signed by the school registrar, Dr. Rebecca Aimiohu Okojie, dated February 20, 2025.
The decision followed consultations between the Vice-Chancellor and the University Management, acting on the advice of state security agencies.
The circular explained that students, angered by the tragic incident, had blocked the university gates despite interventions from the State Government and repeated pleas from the University Management for calm.
Due to rising tensions, the closure was deemed necessary to maintain order and prevent further loss of lives.
Students were instructed to leave both campuses within one hour of the circular's release and no later than 12 noon on Thursday, February 20, 2025.
The circular reads: “Following the unfortunate loss of the lives of five students to a tragic trailer accident at Felele city centre on Monday, 17th February, 2025, students have barricaded the gates of the university despite magnanimous interventions from the State Government as well as frantic efforts and appeal by the University Management for calm.
“Accordingly, arising from the advice of the State Security Agencies and to forestall further loss of lives, the Vice-Chancellor after due consultation with Management has decided on behalf of Senate, that the University (both campuses) be closed down INDEFINITELY within one hour of release of this circular.
“Students are therefore, to vacate the campuses on/or before 12 noon, today, Thursday, 20 February, 2025.”