Eight students of the University of Jos lost their lives in a fatal crash along Zaria Road, Jos, in the early hours of Thursday.
The accident, which happened opposite Unity Bank, involved a trailer and a commercial bus conveying 11 male students.
According to The PUNCH, eyewitnesses that the bus was travelling at high speed and attempted a dangerous overtaking manoeuvre before the driver lost control and collided with the trailer.
“Seven passengers died on the spot. Another died later at the hospital,” one witness explained, adding that the remaining three victims were rushed to a nearby health facility for emergency care.
The Federal Road Safety Corps confirmed the incident. In a statement, the Corps’ Public Education Officer in Plateau State, Peter Longsan, said the agency received a distress call at about 2:30 a.m.
“When our team arrived, seven occupants of the bus were already lifeless and were certified dead by medical personnel. One more victim later passed away in the hospital, bringing the total fatalities to eight,” Longsan said.
The Plateau State Sector Commander of the FRSC, Olajide Mogaji, described the crash as “deeply painful” and urged motorists to prioritise safety, especially during the festive period.
“I want to appeal to all drivers to avoid night journeys, speeding, dangerous overtaking, driving under the influence, and travelling while tired or unwell. These behaviours are leading causes of fatal crashes,” Mogaji warned. “The government needs you alive. We want everyone to celebrate this season safely.”
He further encouraged road users to promptly report emergencies by calling the FRSC toll-free line, 122.
Three injured victims are currently receiving treatment.
