Sixteen prospective corps members from Adeyemi Federal University of Education (AFUED), Ondo, have tragically lost their lives in a fatal road accident while traveling to the Gombe NYSC orientation camp. Two additional students from the same institution survived but are currently in critical condition, battling for their lives in the hospital.
The young graduates were journeying in an 18-seater bus filled with excitement and anticipation for the start of their national service when the devastating crash occurred. The tragic incident abruptly ended the aspirations of many who had looked forward to contributing to their nation through the NYSC program.
Emergency responders swiftly arrived at the scene to evacuate the victims, transporting the injured survivors to a nearby medical facility for urgent and intensive care. The bodies of the deceased were also recovered and moved to the morgue as officials began initial documentation.
Authorities have yet to release a formal statement regarding the exact cause of the crash, though investigations are ongoing to ascertain what led to such a catastrophic incident. Road safety concerns have once again been thrust into national discussion as Nigerians express pain and frustration over recurring tragedies involving young citizens traveling for NYSC obligations.
The AFUED community has been thrown into deep mourning, with students, lecturers, and families grieving the sudden and heartbreaking loss. Many have described the incident as a monumental tragedy for the institution and a painful reminder of the nation’s persistent road safety challenges.
The heartbreaking news has sparked nationwide reactions, with many calling for urgent reforms to safeguard prospective corps members. Some citizens are urging the federal government to reassess NYSC mobilization processes, improve transportation arrangements, and implement stricter road safety measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
A netizen, DukeofBourdillion, expressed his grief and frustration, stating:
“WHAT A BLACK WEDNESDAY! 🥺
My heart is heavy as I commiserate with the families of the NYSC Prospective Corps Members from Adeyemi Federal University of Education (AFUED), Ondo, who, on their journey to the Gombe NYSC Camp, were involved in a devastating and tragic accident. An 18-seater bus, full of bright young Nigerians with hopes and dreams, was reduced to silence in a moment—as nearly everyone on board succumbed instantly to the cold hands of death, leaving only two survivors barely clinging to life.
This wave of needless tragedy is becoming unbearable. It is high time the Federal Government intervened decisively to stem the relentless loss of innocent lives on our roads.
This is truly heartbreaking—an indescribable loss for their families, their institution, and our nation. 😭💔
Dear President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (@officialABAT),
I implore you to kindly do something and also, halt the mobilization of @officialnyscng PCMs for the time being. 🙏💔”
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