Eight students of the University of Jos
(UNIJOS) have died following a road traffic accident on Zaria Road in the Plateau State capital.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Thursday when a bus carrying the students collided with a trailer opposite Unity Bank.
Eyewitnesses said eleven students were on board the bus. Seven were pronounced dead at the scene, while another succumbed to injuries at a hospital, bringing the death toll to eight.
Three other students are receiving treatment for injuries sustained in the crash. All the victims were male.
The Public Education Officer of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Peter Longsan, confirmed the accident in a statement on Thursday. “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,” he said.
Eyewitnesses indicated that the bus was speeding and attempted a dangerous overtaking manoeuvre, causing the driver to lose control.
The Sector Commander of FRSC Plateau, Olajide Mogaji, called on motorists to exercise caution, particularly avoiding night travel, excessive speed, dangerous driving, driving under the influence, or driving when fatigued. “The government needs you alive and wants you to enjoy life to the fullest this festive season and beyond,” he said, urging the public to report accidents or emergencies via the FRSC toll-free number, 122.
Meanwhile, a Plateau State High Court in Jos has sentenced a police officer, Ruya Auta, to death by hanging or lethal injection for the killing of University of Jos student, Rinji Bala, on May 13, 2020. The ruling was delivered on Monday by Hon. Justice David Mann, who found the officer guilty of violating Bala’s fundamental right to life.
Speaking after the judgement, counsel to the Plateau State Government, Garba Pwul (SAN), said, “It has been five years of efforts and tenacity to bring justice to the deceased, the family, and even the government. Today, we have seen justice served.”
He added that the ruling should act as a deterrent to negligent security personnel who misuse their firearms. “We hope that this judgment will serve as a deterrent to trigger-happy and dangerously negligent uniformed men, and provide some measure of comfort to the deceased’s family,” Pwul said.
