Crushing Of Seven Students To Death: Federal University, Lokoja, Closed Down Indefinitely

By Ayodele Oni

The Federal University of Lokoja, Kogi State, has been closed down, indefinitely, following the tragic killing of seven students and a bus driver in a fatal vehicle accident which involved a truck and a school shuttle bus.

This was contained in a circular signed by the University’s Registrar, Dr. Rebecca Okojie, dated February, 20, 2025.

The circular stated that the decision followed consultations between the Vice-Chancellor and the University Management, acting on the advice of State Security Agencies.

It explained that students, angered by the tragic incident, blocked the University gates despite interventions from the State Government and repeated pleas from the University Management for calm.

“Due to rising tensions, the closure was deemed necessary to maintain order and prevent further loss of lives.”

Students were instructed to leave both campuses within one hour of the circular’s release and no later than 12 noon on Thursday, February 20, 2025.

The accident occurred around 2:30 pm on Monday when an articulated truck carrying wood and jerrycans of palm oil lost control and crashed into a shuttle bus transporting students.

It was reported that the bus was on its way to the university when the speeding truck collided with it, completely crushing the vehicle.

Seven students were confirmed dead at the scene of the accident.

Since Monday, students have been staging massive protests and public demonstrations, demanding that authorities implement measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

The circular reads: “Following the unfortunate loss of the lives of five students to a tragic trailer accident at Felele city centre on Monday, 17th February, 2025, students have barricaded the gates of the university despite magnanimous interventions from the State Government as well as frantic efforts and appeal by the University Management for calm.

“Accordingly, arising from the advice of the State Security Agencies and to forestall further loss of lives, the Vice-Chancellor, after due consultation with Management, has decided on behalf of Senate, that the University (both campuses) be closed down INDEFINITELY within one hour of release of this circular.

“Students are therefore, to vacate the campuses on/or before 12 noon, today, Thursday, 20 February, 2025.”