Tragedy on Zaria Road: Eight UNIJOS Students Killed in Deadly Crash

Published on 11 December 2025 at 15:58

Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa

A somber morning unfolded in Jos, Plateau State, on Thursday, December 11, 2025, as news broke of a fatal road accident that claimed the lives of eight University of Jos students. The deadly collision occurred in the early hours along Zaria Road, involving a bus carrying the students and a trailer that reportedly lost control.

Eyewitness accounts suggest that the students, who had been returning from a night outing, were traveling in a bus with eleven passengers. Observers described the bus as moving at high speed when it attempted a risky overtaking maneuver, causing the driver to lose control and collide with the trailer. Seven students were pronounced dead at the scene, while an eighth later succumbed to injuries at a local hospital. Three others sustained injuries and are currently receiving medical care. All victims were male.

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Plateau State Sector, confirmed the tragic incident. Peter Longsan, Public Education Officer of the FRSC, provided a detailed account of the crash, saying, “Today, 11th December 2025, FRSC Plateau State Sector Command received a distress call at about 0230 hours, reporting a road traffic crash opposite Unity Bank on 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, and they were eventually certified dead by a doctor. Another victim later died in the hospital, bringing the total number of deceased to eight. Three others are currently receiving treatment at the hospital. All victims were males.”

The Plateau FRSC Sector Commander, Olajide Mogaji, used the tragic event as a stark reminder of the dangers of reckless driving and poor road safety practices. He urged motorists to exercise caution, particularly avoiding night travel, speeding, and dangerous overtaking. “Do not drive under the influence of alcohol, fatigue, or illness, which are leading causes of fatal accidents. Avoid night trips when possible and always adhere to traffic regulations,” Mogaji advised.

This devastating accident underscores the risks young Nigerians face on the nation’s roads, particularly during nighttime travel. Road safety experts have long warned about speeding, unsafe driving maneuvers, and driver fatigue as primary contributors to traffic fatalities. The FRSC continues to advocate for stricter adherence to road safety rules and proactive measures to prevent such heartbreaking incidents.

The University of Jos community, alongside family members of the victims, has been left in mourning, with students, faculty, and residents expressing shock and grief over the loss of promising young lives. Authorities have called for increased vigilance on major highways, especially during peak travel hours, to ensure that such tragedies are minimized in the future.

The investigation into the exact circumstances of the crash is ongoing, with FRSC and local authorities examining the site and gathering testimonies to determine the full sequence of events. Meanwhile, emergency response teams continue to provide support and treatment to the injured students.

As Plateau State grapples with this heartbreaking loss, road safety officials and community leaders urge drivers to prioritize caution, patience, and adherence to traffic laws to prevent further tragedies on Nigeria’s roads.

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