The University of Jos community has been plunged into deep grief following a fatal road accident that claimed the lives of eight of its students in the early hours of Thursday along the Zaria Road axis of Jos. The tragic incident, which occurred before dawn, has sparked renewed concerns over night travel and road safety on major highways across the country.
The crash occurred at about 2:30 a.m. when a bus conveying University of Jos students was involved in a violent collision with a heavy-duty truck. The impact was described as severe, leaving the bus badly damaged and strewn across the roadside. Emergency responders arrived at the scene shortly after the crash, but seven of the students were confirmed dead on the spot.
One other student, who was rushed to a nearby medical facility with critical injuries, later died while receiving treatment, bringing the total number of fatalities to eight. Several other occupants of the vehicle sustained serious injuries and are currently receiving medical care.
Eyewitnesses at the scene reported that the bus veered off the road after the collision and rammed into a fixed structure, further compounding the impact and making rescue efforts difficult. Residents in the area said the sound of the crash shattered the quiet of the early morning, drawing passersby who attempted to assist before emergency teams arrived.
The Federal Road Safety Corps confirmed the incident and disclosed that the vehicle was carrying about eleven students at the time of the crash. According to the Corps, preliminary findings point to factors commonly associated with night travel, including poor visibility and the movement of heavy vehicles, though a full investigation into the cause of the accident is ongoing.
Among the deceased was the president of the National Association of Plateau State Students at the University of Jos chapter, a development that has deepened the shock within the campus community. Fellow students described the victims as vibrant and ambitious young people whose lives were cut short at the peak of their academic journey.
The management of the University of Jos confirmed the deaths in an official statement, describing the incident as heartbreaking and devastating. The Vice-Chancellor expressed profound sorrow over the loss of the students and extended condolences to their families, friends, and colleagues. The university also assured that it is closely monitoring the condition of the injured students and providing necessary support.
The Plateau State Government also reacted to the tragedy, expressing deep sadness over the loss of young lives. Government officials conveyed sympathy to the bereaved families and the University of Jos community, noting that the incident represents a painful loss not only to the institution but to the state and the nation at large.
In the wake of the crash, the Federal Road Safety Corps reiterated warnings about the dangers of night travel, particularly on major highways where speeding, fatigue, reckless driving, and the presence of articulated vehicles increase the risk of fatal accidents. The agency urged motorists to exercise caution and comply strictly with traffic regulations to prevent avoidable loss of lives.
The accident has reignited public debate over Nigeria’s road safety challenges, especially the recurring incidents involving students and young people. Many Nigerians have taken to social platforms to express grief and outrage, calling for stricter enforcement of traffic laws, improved road infrastructure, and greater accountability.
As investigations continue, authorities have assured that findings from the crash will be made public once concluded. Meanwhile, the University of Jos campus remains subdued, with students and staff united in mourning. Plans for prayers and memorial activities are already underway as the community seeks to honor the memories of those lost.
