As students of the Federal University Lokoja (FUL) in Kogi State continue to protest the death of five of their colleagues 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 circular with Reference Number FUL/R/GEN/REGC/03 issued on Thursday by the Registrar/Secretary of Council of the University, Dr. Rebecca Aimiohu Okojie, and copied to the State’s Commissioner of Police, and Director of DSS.
“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 Registrar said in the circular.
The protesting students had on Wednesday threatened to block the Abuja-Lokoja-Benin Highway if the Federal Government failed to take steps to halt the incessant killings of their colleagues by articulated vehicles.
FUL Student Union Government (SUG) President, Benjamin Timothy, made the threat during the procession at the Felele Campus of the University in Lokoja, saying the students were tired of mourning their colleagues.
Recall that five 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 lamented.
