A dark cloud hangs over Lokoja as a tragic road accident has cut short the lives of two promising female students. This heartbreaking incident occurred on a Friday morning, leaving the community in shock and mourning. Here’s a breakdown of what happened:
- What happened? A truck lost control and rammed into a tricycle, leading to fatal casualties.
- Who was involved? The victims were students from Federal University Lokoja and Kogi State Polytechnic Lokoja.
- Where did it happen? The accident took place along Felele Road in Lokoja.
- What’s next? The community mourns and a tribute is being planned to honor the victims.
The Horrific Incident Unfolds
The unfortunate event occurred around 10 am on a regular Friday morning. A heavily loaded truck, reportedly on its way to Abuja, veered off course along the busy Felele road. The truck collided with a tricycle, locally known as ‘Keke,’ which was carrying passengers heading into town. This collision led to an instant catastrophe, claiming the lives of two students and injuring several others. The scene was nothing short of chaotic, with onlookers rushing to assist.
Victims Identified
Among the victims were two female students. One was identified as Miss Covenant Omolola Isaac, a Geology student at the Federal University Lokoja. The other was Abu Taiwo Abimbola, a Science Laboratory and Technology student from Kogi State Polytechnic Lokoja. Both students were known for their dedication to education and bright futures.
The Aftermath
The bodies of the deceased were taken to the Specialist Hospital in Lokoja by the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC). The FRSC Sector Commander in Kogi State, Samuel Oyedeji, has yet to release an official statement. The community is in deep mourning, with tributes pouring in from various quarters.
A Community Mourns
The National Association of Science Laboratory and Technology Students, Kogi State Polytechnic chapter, has released a statement expressing their grief over the loss of Abu Taiwo Abimbola. Describing her as a beacon of hope and inspiration, the association is planning a tribute and memorial service to honor her life. This tragedy has not only affected the student community but the entire Lokoja community.
Road Safety Concerns
This accident has sparked concerns about road safety, especially on busy roads like Felele road. Local authorities are urged to look into better road safety measures to avoid such devastating events in the future. This incident underscores the need for stricter regulations for heavy vehicles and more awareness among road users. According to a WHO report, road traffic injuries are a major cause of death globally. Therefore, steps must be taken to prevent future tragedies.
Tributes and Condolences
As the community grieves, heartfelt condolences are being sent to the families and friends of the victims. Social media platforms are filled with messages of sorrow and remembrance, with many highlighting the promising futures of the two students cut short by this unfortunate incident.