UNIJOS MOURNS THE DEATH OF EIGHT STUDENTS KILLED IN GHASTLY ROAD ACCIDENT AS VC COMMISERATES WITH FAMILIES AND VISITS SURVIVORS AND ACCIDENT SCENE

The University of Jos has been thrown into mourning following the tragic death of Eight (8) of its students in a ghastly motor accident that occurred along the New Stadium axis of Zaria Road, Jos. The unfortunate incident happened when the students allegedly were returning from a party round about 3 am.

The Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Tanko Ishaya, described the tragedy as a monumental loss to the institution. He made the remarks when he led management staff of the University to visit survivors of the accident who are receiving treatment at the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) and the Plateau State Specialist Hospital, Jos. Receiving him at the hospital was the Dean of Students Affairs, Prof. Chris Piwuna.

Professor Ishaya said the news of the accident was received with deep sadness, noting that the death of the promising young students has created a big vacuum that will be difficult to fill. He sympathized with the families of the deceased and prayed for the repose of their souls, while wishing the injured students quick recovery.

“It is a big loss to the University of Jos. We are pained by this unfortunate incident. These were vibrant young people with great potential. Losing them in such a tragic manner is heartbreaking not only to the university but also to the entire academic community.”

Among the deceased were the President of the National Association of Plateau State Students (NAPSS), UNIJOS Chapter, Comrade Datong Maipkop Magnus, and the President of the Faculty of Social Sciences Students Association, Comrade Angelo Gyang.

One of the survivors, Nandom Sati, a 400-level student of the Department of Criminology and Security Studies, currently recuperating at the Plateau State Specialist Hospital, narrated how the accident occurred. According to him, their bus had attempted to overtake another bus carrying female colleagues when it ran into a trailer, leading to the fatal crash. He thanked God for sparing his life, saying the incident was something he would never forget.

The VC, accompanied by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Professor Pic Charles Owonchei, the Chief Security Officer of the University, Mr. Solomon Agama, and other principal officers, visited the Casualty Units of both the Plateau State Specialist Hospital and JUTH to assess the condition of the injured students.

The delegation also visited the JUTH Mortuary, where the bodies of the deceased were deposited, before proceeding to the scene of the accident around the Zaria Road New Stadium for an on-the-spot assessment of the incident.

The VC called on students to exercise caution and prioritize safety while commuting within and outside the campus.