By RismadarVoice Media, December 11, 2025
Nigeria has been thrown again into mourning as eight young men, students of the University of Jos, lost their lives in a tragic crash along Zaria Road in Jos – Plateau State, in the early hours of Thursday, December 11, 2025
The fatal crash, which occurred opposite Unity Bank, involved a high-speeding bus loaded with students and a trailer. (11) Eleven people were on board.
Eyewitnesses said the reckless attempt to overtake a trailer at high speed caused the driver to lose control, leading to a devastating collision.
All the victims were male, young, promising undergraduates whose dreams were cut short before dawn.
Residents and witnesses say the crash was yet another example of the deadly mix of night travels, over speeding, reckless driving which has claimed thousands of Nigerian lives in recent years.
The FRSC Public Education Officer in Plateau, Peter Longsan, confirmed the incident:
“Seven were confirmed dead at the scene, one later died at the hospital. The remaining three are receiving treatment.”
The Plateau FRSC Sector Commander, Olajide Mogaji, urged Nigerians to have a rethink about their road, traffic habits…
“Avoid night trips, excessive speed, reckless driving, driving under the influence of alcohol, driving when fatigued or unwell; the government needs you alive.”
For many, this statement, though sincere, may come too late for the grieving families now preparing to bury their sons.
Often times a tragedy like this hits the nation, the same questions resurfaces:
•Why do drivers continue to speed excessively, especially at night?
•Why is enforcement so weak that many commercial drivers act like the roads belong to them?
•Why are trailers allowed to ply highways without proper regulation or monitoring?
•Why must Nigerian students gamble each time they embark on a journey?
These (8) eight young men were not just “statistics.” They were sons, brothers, future professionals. Nonetheless, their lives has been cut short by recklessness and negligence Nigeria has tolerated for too long.
Tonight, (8) eight families will cry themselves to sleep, plan burials instead of graduations.
As Christmas approaches, the FRSC issues yet another warning – limit speed, stay alive.
Data/statistics shows that December is Nigeria’s deadliest travel month, because drivers and commuters usually take unnecessary risks.
This tragedy should serve as a wake-up call for Drivers:
Stop turning the highways into race tracks.
Passengers: Refuse to board vehicles driven by reckless drivers.
Government: Enforce speed limits, regulate night travel, ensure trailers meet safety standards.
Universities: Implement safer transportation systems for students.
The FRSC has urged Nigerians to call 122, its toll-free emergency number for any road incident or crash; a dial still not known/used by many.
If Nigeria truly values human life, road safety and worthiness must become a national priority, not seasonal rhetoric.
This tragedy is not just a headline.
It is a reminder that Nigeria must confront this silent war on its roads, a war claiming more lives than conflicts.
Until we change our attitude towards road safety, the question will remain:
How many more must die before we learn?
