Eight students of the University of Jos have been confirmed dead following a fatal crash involving a trailer and a commercial bus along Zaria Road in the early hours of Thursday.
The accident occurred opposite Unity Bank in Jos, Plateau State, around 2:30 a.m.
Eyewitnesses told The PUNCH that the bus, which had 11 occupants, was speeding and attempted a dangerous overtaking manoeuvre before the driver lost control and rammed into an oncoming trailer.
Seven students died on the spot, while an eighth victim was pronounced dead at the hospital. The remaining three passengers are currently receiving treatment. All the victims were male.
The Public Education Officer of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Peter Longsan, confirmed the incident in a statement issued on Thursday.
He said, “Today, 11th December 2025, FRSC Plateau State Sector Command received a distress call at about 0230 hours reporting a crash involving a trailer and a bus carrying 11 students of the University of Jos.
Seven victims were confirmed dead on the spot by a medical doctor, while one later died at the hospital. Three others are undergoing treatment.”
Reacting to the crash, the Sector Commander of FRSC Plateau State, Olajide Mogaji, advised motorists to avoid night travel, excessive speed, dangerous overtaking, and driving under fatigue or the influence of substances, noting that these remain leading causes of fatal crashes.
“The government needs you alive to enjoy the festive season and beyond,” he said.
Mogaji also urged the public to report emergencies via the FRSC toll-free number 122.
