Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has expressed deep sorrow over a tragic auto crash that claimed the lives of two students and left 16 others critically injured on Wednesday. The accident occurred along the Maiduguri-Damaturu Road, involving a university staff bus and a truck owned by Dangote Group.
In a statement on Thursday, Zulum, through his spokesperson Dauda Illiya, extended his condolences to the Borno State University (BOSU) community, as well as the parents and guardians of the affected students.
“I extend my deepest sympathies to the families of the affected students, the management, staff, and students of Borno State University over this unfortunate incident,” the governor said.
The students had just completed their examinations and were returning home when the accident happened in the Njimtilo area of Maiduguri. While two students tragically lost their lives, 23 others sustained injuries. Among them, eight have been discharged and are recovering, while the rest remain hospitalised.
“I am deeply touched by this tragic accident involving a students’ bus and a trailer, which occurred as the students were returning after completing their examinations,” Zulum remarked.
To prevent future occurrences, the governor announced immediate measures, including fast-tracking the completion of the ongoing Maiduguri Trailer Park project.
“I have instructed the Ministry of Works to ensure the immediate completion of the trailer park. Once operational, trailers will no longer be permitted into the city centre, a move aimed at reducing intra-city road accidents within the metropolis,” Zulum stated.
He also assured the public of the government’s commitment to covering all medical expenses for the injured students and pledged to personally visit them in the hospital. “We are taking deliberate and decisive measures to prevent a recurrence of such a tragic incident,” he added.
This incident has reignited public concern over road safety in Maiduguri, prompting Zulum’s administration to vow stricter regulations on heavy-duty vehicles.
As the state mourns the loss of its young talents, Zulum reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring safer roads for students and residents. “We will do everything within our power to enhance road safety measures and prevent such devastating occurrences in the future,” he concluded.
