A tragic accident in the early hours of Wednesday has claimed the lives of eight students of the University of Jos, throwing the campus community into deep mourning. The fatal crash occurred around 2 a.m. along the Zaria Road axis, close to the stadium, as the students were returning from a night outing.
According to eyewitness accounts, the students’ bus was struck by a speeding trailer suspected to have suffered brake failure. The collision caused the bus to veer off the road and crash into an electric pole, leading to the immediate death of eight occupants, including the driver. Two students who were seated at the rear of the bus survived with minor injuries.
Among the deceased were key student leaders, including the Presidents of the Social Science Students Association (SOSSA) and the National Association of Plateau State Students (NAPSS). Their sudden deaths have intensified the shock and grief across the university.
Residents said the trailer driver fled the scene immediately after the crash and has not been traced as of the time of this report. Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the circumstances that led to the accident and to locate the driver.
In reaction, students and members of the university community have expressed deep sorrow, describing the incident as a colossal loss. Many have also renewed calls for stricter enforcement of road safety standards and improved monitoring of heavy-duty vehicles, especially at night.
The University of Jos is expected to issue an official statement as the community grapples with the devastating loss of its students.
