Lokoja, Nigeria – Students of Federal University Lokoja (FUL) have issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the federal government, demanding urgent action to stop the frequent killing of their colleagues by reckless truck drivers. The students have threatened to block the Abuja-Lagos Highway if their concerns are not addressed.
The protest follows a fatal accident on Monday, where an articulated truck lost control and crushed a shuttle bus carrying students, killing five. According to Benjamin Timothy, president of the FUL Student Union Government (SUG), this tragedy has increased the number of student deaths caused by trucks to 12 within two months.
> “We can’t keep folding our arms while these trucks keep killing us like chickens. Most of us came here to study, not to die,” Timothy
Gomina Ahmed-Kabir, Chairman of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) in Kogi, condemned the government’s inaction, warning that students will not hesitate to block the highway if necessary measures are not taken.
In response, Retired Commodore Jerry Omodara, security adviser to Governor Ahmed Ododo, urged the students to remain patient, revealing that the Minister of Works is scheduled to visit Lokoja for discussions on the issue.
Additionally, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Kogi Sector Commander, Samuel Oyedeji, expressed deep concern over the recurrent accidents and emphasized the need for stricter road safety compliance
To address the crisis, Governor Ahmed Ododo has formed a committee led by Deputy Governor Joel Salifu, including the FUL Vice-Chancellor, to investigate the causes of these accidents and propose preventive measures. The committee has two weeks to submit its report.
Despite these assurances, FUL students remain skeptical, insisting on immediate, concrete actions. If the government fails to meet their demands within 72 hours, they have vowed to mobilize en masse and shut down the Abuja-Lagos Highway.
With growing tension and pressure on authorities, the coming days will determine whether the government’s response is enough to prevent the planned highway blockade.
