Eight students of the University of Jos have been confirmed dead following a fatal accident that occurred opposite Unity Bank along Zaria Road in Jos, the Plateau State capital.
The crash, which happened in the early hours of Thursday, involved a trailer and a bus conveying 11 students of the University of Jos. Eyewitnesses said the bus was speeding and attempted an improper overtaking when the driver lost control, resulting in the collision.
Seven of the victims died on the spot, while another passed away at the hospital, raising the death toll to eight. The remaining three passengers are receiving treatment, and all individuals involved in the crash were male.
Confirming the incident in a statement on Thursday, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Public Education Officer, Peter Longsan, said the Sector Command received a distress call around 2:30 a.m.
“On arrival, seven people were suspected to be dead on the spot, and they were eventually certified dead by a doctor. Another victim later died in the hospital, bringing the total number of deceased to eight. Three others are currently receiving treatment at the hospital. All victims were males,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Plateau State Youth Council (PYC) has declared a mourning period following the death of the students, who were said to be returning from a student engagement when the accident occurred.
The Council described the tragedy as a devastating blow to Plateau youth, noting that among the dead were prominent student union leaders — the President of the National Association of Plateau State Students (NAPSS), Datong Mangnus Miapkop, and the leader of the Social Science Students’ Association (SOSSA), Naanpar Angelo Israel.
“These students were the hope of their families, their communities, and the future of our dear Plateau State,” the PYC said in a statement signed by its Public Relations Officer, Bahal Nanpyal Mark, for Chairman Panan Gongden Dapar.
The Council extended condolences to the families, friends, classmates, NAPSS, SOSSA, and the entire University of Jos community, describing the loss as immeasurable. It prayed for comfort for the bereaved families and quick recovery for the injured survivors.
As a mark of respect, the PYC announced the suspension of all its scheduled activities for the week.
