Federal University Lokoja Students Protest Over Safety Concerns.
Students of the Federal University Lokoja have vowed not to resume classes until both the federal and state governments implement adequate safety measures to prevent further loss of lives.
The protests erupted following a fatal accident involving a heavy-duty vehicle carrying palm oil and firewood, which crashed into a shuttle bus transporting students near Felele, Lokoja. The tragic incident has reignited concerns over road safety in the area, which has witnessed multiple accidents involving students.
Despite the university management’s decision to indefinitely close the institution, the students have insisted on continuing their demonstrations outside the school premises.
Speaking on behalf of the protesters, Ahmed Suleiman expressed their frustration: “The killing of our colleagues in the name of accidents is unending. We have been patient because the school management and government have always assured us that another accident would not happen. Yet, another one has occurred this week. We cannot tolerate this any longer.”
Another student lamented the recurring tragedies, stating: “We have lost innocent students who came to Lokoja to study. Is it a crime to seek education at the Federal University Lokoja? If we fail to protest these untimely deaths, those of us still in school are not safe. We cannot continue to lose young Nigerians in the name of education.”
Following days of unrest, the university’s management announced the indefinite closure of the institution on Thursday, instructing students to vacate the campus by 12 noon. However, protesters have refused to remove barricades blocking access to the university, arguing that no safety measures have been put in place to justify reopening the school.
Eyewitnesses have described the Felele Expressway, where the accident occurred, as a notorious black spot for student fatalities. The demonstrators are demanding immediate government intervention to enhance road safety, calling for stricter traffic regulations and better infrastructure to protect students commuting to and from the university.
