•Victims
One of the survivors of the auto crash that killed students of the University of Jos, Plateau State, yesterday narrated how the incident occurred.
Speaking to our correspondent, Dominic Dantala said, “The accident occurred when we were coming back from a welcome-back party. There were two buses – one was conveying the female students while the other one was conveying the male students. The two buses were moving almost together, but the one carrying the women was in front.
•Remains of the vehicle conveying the students
“While on our way, our driver wanted to overtake the bus in front of us, but he couldn’t, so he fell back to his lane. While trying to return to his lane, a trailer coming from behind hit our bus. That was how the accident happened,” Dominic narrated.
It was gathered that initially, eight students of the university, most of whom were final year students were killed, while three others were critically wounded in the accident which occurred at about 2am of yesterday, along the Zaria Road in Jos North Local Government Area of the state, reports Daily Trust.
It was further gathered that the President of the National Association of Plateau State Students (NAPSS), UniJos chapter, Comrade Miapkop Magnus; the President of the Faculty of Social Science Students’ Association (SOSSA), Angelo Gyang Gokyo, and other union officials from the various faculties of the university were among those who lost their lives in the accident.
Comrade Prince Miaphen, an ex- president of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), told our correspondent that the incident occurred when the students were returning to their hostels after attending a party for returning students.
Peter Yakubu Longsan, Superintendent Route Commander, Public Education Officer for the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), confirmed the incident, stating that the bus was carrying 11 students of the university.
According to the FRSC, witnesses attributed the accident to speed and reckless overtaking by the driver.
Giving details, Longsan said, “Today, 11th December, 2025, the FRSC, Plateau State Sector Command, received a distress call at about 0230 hours, reporting a road traffic crash that occurred opposite Unity Bank, Zaria Road, Jos.
“The crash involved two vehicles, a trailer and a bus. Eleven people were on board the bus, and were said to be students of the University of Jos. On arrival, seven people were suspected to be dead on the spot, as they were eventually certified to be dead by the doctor, another victim died in the hospital, bringing the total number of the deceased to eight.
“Three others are currently receiving treatment at the hospital. All victims were men. A witness testified that the bus was on high speed and engaged in wrongful overtaking, which led to loss of control and the eventual crash. Meanwhile, an investigation is ongoing,” he added.
It was gathered later in the evening of yesterday that one of the injured three also died, taking the death toll to nine.
Christy Golton, an aunty to one of the deceased, Angelo Gyang Gokyo, a 400L student, said their family received the news of the death of their son with shock.
“We were not expecting death to come at this time, but there’s nothing we can do. At the moment, we have nothing to do except to pray for him. The God who brought him has taken him away. It’s a great loss to the family. He is the second child and the last in the family. His parents had only two children,” she said.
It is a great loss to the university – VC
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Jos, Prof. Tanko Ishaya, expressed sadness over the death of the students, describing the incident as unfortunate.
The vice chancellor sympathised with the families of those who lost their loved ones in the accident during a press briefing at the university on Thursday, just as he prayed for the repose of the souls of the departed.
He said, “Our students lost their lives in an unfortunate incident. I sympathise with the families and pray that God gives them the strength to go through this difficult time. We are together with the grieving families at this difficult time. We appeal to students and staff to pray for the souls of the deceased.”
The Students’ Union Government (SUG) expressed sorrow over the loss, stating that the incident has left a void in the university community, and described the students who lost their lives as bright souls whose memories will be cherished forever.
Oma Gabriel, the SUG Vice President of the university, in a telephone conversation with our correspondent, commiserated with the families of the victims, urging students to remain calm and united in this trying time.
She said “It is quite unfortunate. The death touches each and every one of us. Most of the victims are comrades. We are like family. The incident touches every aspect of the University of Jos. We are sending our heartfelt condolences to their families.”
Mutfwang condoles with university, families
Plateau State governor, Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, said he received the death of the students with profound shock.
In a statement by the Director of Press and Public Affairs to the governor, Gyang Bere, Governor Mutfwang “described the passing of the young, vibrant, and promising students as a colossal loss to their families, the University of Jos, the wider student community, Plateau State, and the nation at large.
He said the news was devastating and that the government is sad over the incident.
“He prayed for recovery of those injured and directed the Commissioner for Health to ensure that they receive prompt and comprehensive medical attention. Governor Mutfwang also assured the bereaved families of the government’s full support towards giving the deceased students a dignified and befitting burial.
“He instructed the Commissioner for Youth and Sports and the Special Adviser on Youth Mobilisation to actively liaise with the affected families, student bodies, and the university in preparations for the burial”, the statement added.
