By Ayodele Oni
Parents and relations of students of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko have besieged the institution in search of their children and wards following a fatal accident on Saturday.
As at last count, 16 persons were reported dead as they were crushed, some beyond recognition, by an articulated vehicle belonging to a cement company.
Apart from last rush visits to the university community, phone calls were put accross to enable relations confirm state of health of their families.
Various eye witness accounts confirmed that the articulated vehicle lost control due to break failure and rammed into shops very close to the university gate where people, mainly students converged for relaxation and weekend shoppings.
AAUA students resumed just last week Monday after Christmas and new year break, while their examination was due to start on Monday.
The examination, according to report will have to be put on hold as a result of the incident as students are said to be among the casualties.
In a statement at the weekend, the management of the institution stated that it “has received with great shock the news of an accident involving a Dangote trailer in which some of our students sadly lost their lives.
“The institution commiserated with the families, University community in particular and the Akungba community in general on the sad incident.”
Acting Registrar of the institution, Opeoluwa Akinfemiwa, pointed out that the institution has informed Government about this unfortunate incident .
“The statement noted that the institution is working with Government to prevent a reoccurrence.
“Meanwhile, as a temporary measure, Management has directed that the main gate should be closed with immediate effect.
“Staff and students are therefore requested to make use of the following: Sports Center gate, Guest House gate and Eastern gate.
“The two small gates i.e the one leading to the Works & Services Department and the one leading to the Student Union building.
“As a mark of respect for our departed students, the examinations scheduled to start on Monday, 24th January, 2021, is hereby postponed till further notice.
“The institution appealed to students to remain calm, as it mourns those that lost their lives in this unfortunate incident.”
