The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Zone E (North-East), has expressed grave concern over the alarming rate of student deaths caused by road accidents in the region due to the poor condition of major roads.
NANS has labeled these roads as “death traps,” highlighting the danger they pose to lives and the economy. The association has called on the administration of President Bola Tinubu to prioritize the completion of abandoned road projects in the North-East.
Speaking at a press conference in Yola, the Zone-E Coordinator, Umar Afkawa, lamented the deplorable state of infrastructure in the region. He pointed out that the bad roads have not only caused numerous fatalities but have also hindered access to education, healthcare, and other vital services.
Afkawa specifically noted recent road accidents in Borno State, which claimed the lives of students. He called on the federal government to address the challenges facing the region, which has already suffered significantly due to the Boko Haram insurgency.
“We are here to draw attention to the appalling condition of our roads, which has worsened the struggles of our people. The lives of our students and other road users are being lost due to government neglect,” Afkawa said.
The students’ leader accused the federal government of failing to provide adequate infrastructure, adding that NANS is giving a one-week ultimatum for the resumption of work on these roads.
“Our demands are clear: (i) the federal government and contractors must provide updates on the status of ongoing projects before January 13, 2025; (ii) all road projects in the North-East must be completed within the next six months,” Afkawa declared.
He warned that failure to meet these demands would lead to widespread protests across the region. “We will take to the streets to ensure our voices are heard if these issues are not addressed,” he vowed.
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Source: Chronicles Reporters