By Thompson Yamput
The Kogi State Government has condoled with the management of the Federal University Lokoja (FUL) over the tragic deaths of five students recently crushed by an articulated vehicle along the Abuja-Lokoja-Okene road.
This is contained in a statement by the Ministry of Works Spokesperson, Mrs Gloria Ojochogu-Amodu, in Lokoja on Thursday.
Ojochogu-Amodu stated that the Assembly Speaker, Mr Umar Yusuf, and the State Commissioner for Works, Mr Mohamed Ahiovi, led a delegation to the university on Wednesday to offer their condolences.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the five students lost their lives on February 17 when an articulated vehicle lost its brakes and crushed a campus shuttle bus carrying students along Felele highway.
Yusuf told the university management that the visit was on the instructions of Gov. Ahmed Ododo, to formally convey the government’s condolences for the tragic loss.
He added that the governor had directed him to propose a motion for creating alternative routes as a vital step to prevent further casualties, a motion he presented during plenary.
Yusuf explained that the purpose of the visit was also to discuss alternative routes that could reduce accidents on the Lokoja-Okene road, ensuring the safety of university staff and students.
He reiterated the state government’s commitment to expediting the construction of these alternative routes to prevent further loss of life on the roads.
In the statement, Ahiovi expressed sympathy with the university management, students, and the grieving parents.
“It is truly heartbreaking to witness young lives cut short in such an unfortunate manner.
“I pray that Almighty Allah grants them eternal rest and gives you the strength to endure this difficult time,” Ahiovi said.
He further stated that the state government’s decision to create an alternative route would significantly reduce accidents on the highways.
In response, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Olayemi Akinwumi, thanked the government for the condolence visit and expressed gratitude for the timely interventions.
Akinwumi welcomed the proposed alternative route, affirming the university’s full support.
“The initiative is in the best interests of students and staff of the university,” he said. NAN
