A student leader at Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University has drawn attention to a string of tragic incidents involving students within a short period, linking most of them to reckless motorcycle operations on and around campus.
Sen Anom Desmond Sesughter, who identified himself as Commander in Chief of the Aluta Forces at the institution, said he had been grieving with the Department of Computer Science 300-level students over the death of one of their colleagues who lost his life in a rented apartment in the southern core of the university’s off-campus area. Shortly after arriving at the scene, he received news of another ghastly accident involving students that left at least one person dead. The victims were referred to the Benue State University Teaching Hospital in Makurdi. Details of the fatality were withheld for security reasons.
He further reported that the previous day, while on a verification tour with the Honourable Speaker of the 17th Assembly, Rt. Sen. Ijohol David, and the Students Union General Secretary, Chief Comr. Elijah Hôm, another serious accident occurred. The extent of the injuries was described as too severe to detail, and those involved were also taken to the same teaching hospital.
According to his investigation, over-speeding by both private and commercial motorcycles accounts for about 80 per cent of accidents on campus. He expressed condolences to the families, departments and colleges of the affected students and stated that the Students Union and university management would no longer entertain pleas regarding commercial motorcycle operations on campus. He noted that students continue to suffer fractures, dislocations and other injuries despite existing safety measures.
The student leader ended his statement with a call for solidarity.
