As students of the Federal University Lokoja, (FUL), continue to protest the loss of five students killed by an articulated vehicle last Monday, the management of the institution has closed down the university indefinitely to prevent further unrest by the students.
This was contained in a letter with Ref. Number FUL/R/GEN/REGC/03 issued on Thursday by Dr. Rebecca Aimiohu Okojie Registrar and Secretary to Council and copied Commissioner of Police, Kogi State Command Director, DSS Kogi State stated that
“Following the unfortunate loss of the lives of five students to a tragic trailer accident at Felele city centre on Monday, 17 February, 2025, students have barricaded the gates of the university despite magnanimous interventions from the State Government as well as frantic efforts and appeal 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 Senate, that the University (both campuses) be closed down Indefinitely within one hour of release of this circular.
“Students are therefore, to vacate the campuses on/or before 12 noon, today, Thursday, 20th February, 2025. Please note for strict compliance.
The Protesting students of Federal University Lokoja (FUL) had on Wednesday threatened to block the Abuja-Lagos Highway if the Federal Government failed to take steps to hault the incessant killing of their colleagues by articulated vehicles.
Benjamin Timothy, FUL President, Student Union Government (SUG), who made the threat during the procession at the Falele Campus, Lokoja, said the students were tired of mourning their colleagues.
Recall that that five of the institution’s students were killed on Monday when an articulated vehicle lost control and crushed a shuttle bus carrying students.
“The five students killed on Monday have brought the number to 12 students killed by trucks in avoidable accidents in just a space of two months,” the SUG President decried.