Eight students from the University of Jos in Plateau State, Nigeria, were killed in a road traffic crash on Thursday, December 11, 2025, following a collision between a trailer and a bus on Zaria Road in Jos. The accident occurred at approximately 2:30 a.m. opposite Unity Bank in the Jos North Local Government Area.
Peter Longsan, the Public Education Officer for the Federal Road Safety Corps in Plateau State, confirmed that 11 people were on board the bus, all students from the university. Seven victims were pronounced dead at the scene after being certified by a doctor, while another student died later at the hospital, bringing the total fatalities to eight. Three other students remained hospitalized receiving treatment. All victims were male.
“Today, 11th December 2025, FRSC Plateau State Sector Command received a distress call at about 0230 hours, reporting a road traffic crash opposite Unity Bank on Zaria Road, Jos,” Longsan stated in an official release.
The crash involved two vehicles—a trailer and a bus. Eyewitness accounts indicated that the bus was traveling at high speed and engaged in wrongful overtaking, which caused the driver to lose control, resulting in the collision. The trailer reportedly experienced brake failure and lost control before striking the bus.
According to reports, the students were returning from a night outing, specifically a welcome-back party for returning students. Two buses had been traveling together on the route. The impact of the collision was severe enough that the bus hit an electric pole near the Farin Gada bridge in the Zaria Road Stadium area. The trailer driver fled the scene following the accident.
Most of the deceased were final year students. Among the victims was Angelo Gyang Gokyo, a 400-level student who served as president of the Faculty of Social Science Students’ Association. Comrade Miapkop Magnus, president of the National Association of Plateau State Students at the University of Jos chapter, was also among those who lost their lives in the tragedy.
Prof. Tanko Ishaya, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Jos, addressed the incident during a press briefing on Thursday. He noted that in addition to the eight students, the bus driver also died in the accident, bringing the total death toll to nine.
The Plateau State Government expressed deep shock and profound sadness over the incident. Hon. Joyce Ramnap, the State Commissioner for Information and Communication, issued a statement conveying heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased students, the University of Jos community, and all those affected by the tragedy.
“The loss is not only devastating to the families but also to the entire state, as the young people represented hope, potential, and the bright future of Plateau,” Ramnap said in the statement. The government encouraged the university community and general public to remain calm and united during this period of grief, pledging to offer necessary support to affected families.
Gov. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang of Plateau State also mourned the loss of the students, expressing his condolences to the university and the bereaved families.
Olajide Mogaji, the Plateau Sector Commander for the Federal Road Safety Corps, urged motorists and drivers to avoid night trips, excessive speed, dangerous driving, driving under the influence, and driving while fatigued or unwell. He emphasized that these factors are major causes of fatalities in road crashes. He advised members of the public to report crashes or other road emergencies to the FRSC.
A survivor of the crash recounted the moments leading up to the collision. The students had been traveling in two hired buses after attending the welcome-back party, with both vehicles traveling close together on the same route.
The incident has left the University of Jos community in mourning. The Students’ Union Government expressed sorrow over the loss, describing the deceased as bright souls whose memories will be cherished forever. Students were urged to remain calm and united during this difficult time, noting that the incident touched every aspect of the university community.
The Federal Road Safety Corps has launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash. Authorities are examining factors including vehicle speed, road conditions, and driver behavior at the time of the incident. A manhunt has been initiated for the trailer driver who abandoned the scene.
The tragedy highlights ongoing concerns about road safety in Nigeria, particularly regarding nighttime driving, vehicle maintenance, and adherence to traffic regulations. Road accidents remain a significant cause of mortality in the country, with speeding and mechanical failures frequently cited as contributing factors.
The university administration continues to provide support to affected families and students as the community processes the loss. The incident occurred just days before the university’s scheduled convocation ceremonies, casting a somber shadow over what should have been a celebratory occasion for graduating students.