Tragedy struck in Lokoja today as two female students from the Federal University Lokoja (FUL) and Kogi State Polytechnic lost their lives in a ghastly motor accident along the Felele axis of the state capital.
The accident involved a heavily loaded articulated vehicle heading toward Abuja, which lost control and rammed into a tricycle (commonly known as Keke NAPEP) carrying passengers toward the main town, reports Vanguard.
Sources confirmed that the victims were among four passengers in the tricycle. While the other two passengers sustained severe injuries, the two students succumbed to the impact of the collision.
At the accident scene, an identification card belonging to Covenant Omolola Isaac, a student of the Department of Geology at the Federal University Lokoja, was recovered. The second victim, Taiwo Abimbola, was identified by her colleagues as a Higher National Diploma (HND) student in Science Laboratory Technology at Kogi State Polytechnic.
Officers of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) rushed the injured survivors to the State Specialist Hospital in Lokoja for urgent medical attention.
The National Association of Science Laboratory Technology (Kogi State Polytechnic chapter) confirmed the death of Taiwo Abimbola in a condolence statement issued by its President, Akor Kelvin:
“It is with heavy hearts that we announce the untimely passing of our cherished member, ABU TAIWO ABIMBOLA, 2023/HSLT/MCB/087, who tragically lost her life earlier today in a road accident along Felele Road, Lokoja.
“ABIMBOLA was more than just a member of our association; she was a beacon of hope and inspiration to everyone around her. Her kindness, dedication, and passion for education made her an exceptional part of our community, leaving behind a legacy of love and excellence.
“As we mourn this heartbreaking loss, we extend our deepest sympathies to her family, friends, and loved ones. We pray for strength and comfort for them during this incredibly difficult time.
“In honor of her memory, the association will be organizing a tribute and memorial service to celebrate her remarkable life. Details of the event will be shared in due course, and we encourage everyone to join us in paying our final respects.
“TAIWO ABIMBOLA will forever remain in our hearts. May her soul and the souls of all the faithful departed rest in perfect peace. Amen.”
This tragic incident has cast a pall over both academic institutions and the Lokoja community, as they grapple with the loss of two promising young lives.
