A violent scene unfolded at the Federal University Lokoja (FUL) in Kogi State on Thursday as police officers fired gunshots and tear gas to disperse students protesting the tragic deaths of their colleagues in a recent road accident.
The protest started in the early hours of the morning at the university’s main gate, with students demanding justice for the victims and calling for improved road safety measures around the campus. A student who spoke to Chronicles Reporters described the protest as peaceful at first, with students holding placards and chanting solidarity songs. However, tensions rose when security operatives arrived and attempted to break up the demonstration.
The protest stemmed from a fatal accident that occurred near the university’s permanent site. The incident, which happened around 2:30 PM on Monday, involved an articulated truck transporting wood and jerrycans of palm oil. The truck reportedly lost control and crashed into a shuttle bus carrying students.
Eyewitnesses said the bus was just about to convey students to school when the speeding truck completely crushed it. The impact was devastating, leading to the instant deaths of about seven students.
In an effort to disperse the angry demonstrators, heavily armed police officers stormed the protest site. Reports indicate that they used excessive force, firing live rounds into the air and releasing tear gas canisters.
Several videos obtained by Chronicles Reporters captured moments when the officers opened fire while students ran for cover. The aggressive response further heightened tensions on the campus.
Reacting to the crisis, the Federal University Lokoja authorities swiftly announced the indefinite closure of the institution. The decision was communicated in a circular signed by the school registrar, Dr. Rebecca Aimiohu Okojie, dated February 20, 2025.
According to the circular, the closure followed deliberations between the Vice-Chancellor and the University Management, acting on the recommendations of the state security agencies.
The university management explained that despite interventions by the state government and appeals from school authorities, students remained agitated and barricaded the university gates. To prevent further escalation and safeguard lives, the authorities decided that shutting down the institution was the best course of action.
Students were instructed to vacate both campuses within an hour of the circular’s release and no later than 12 noon on Thursday, February 20, 2025.
The statement read:
“Following the unfortunate loss of the lives of five students to a tragic trailer accident at Felele city center 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 appeals 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 the Senate, that the University (both campuses) be closed down INDEFINITELY within one hour of the release of this circular.
“Students are therefore to vacate the campuses on/or before 12 noon, today, Thursday, 20 February, 2025.”
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