Tragedy struck yesterday on the Ilorin–Ogbomoso Highway in Kwara State as a fatal road accident claimed the lives of six people, including five final-year nursing students and a pregnant woman. The incident occurred in the Ote area, a busy stretch connecting Ilorin and Ogbomoso.
The victims, identified as 500-level undergraduates enrolled in the Open and Distance Learning Bachelor of Nursing Science programme at an institution in Oyo State, were reportedly traveling to sit for their second semester examinations when the crash occurred. Several victims were pronounced dead at the scene, while others later succumbed to injuries after being rushed to a nearby hospital for emergency treatment.
Confirming the incident, Mrs. Rosemary Alo, the Kwara State Commandant of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), said her team is working closely with state authorities to restore normal traffic flow on the highway. She did not provide details regarding the cause of the accident or the exact number of vehicles involved, noting that investigations are ongoing.
The sudden loss has sent shockwaves through the academic and local communities. Colleagues and friends of the deceased described the tragedy as “heartbreaking and painful,” particularly given that the students were on the verge of completing their nursing programme.
Authorities are yet to release further details on the crash, including official statements from the affected university. Investigations are ongoing, and updates are expected as more information becomes available.
