On Sunday in Jalingo, Taraba State’s capital, a hit-and-run vehicle killed a 400-level Taraba State University, TSU student.
Eyewitnesses described the tragedy, which occurred on Nigeria’s 63rd anniversary of independence, as terrible.
The student, identified as Joseph Afara, was claimed to be on his way to withdraw money from one of the new generation banks in Jalingo’s Roadblock area when he was hit by the vehicle.
According to an eyewitness who talked with DAILY POST, the tragedy was caused by the driver’s irresponsibility.
“The driver in his attempt to gain entrance into the Jalingo Motor Park, made a reckless manoeuvre into the wrong lane, resulting in the head on collision,” according to him.
Another eyewitness, who sells items near the motor park, blamed the driver for the student’s premature death.
The trader, who also requested anonymity, stated that the accident would not have occurred if the driver had not attempted to maneuver his vehicle into a different lane.
The driver was reportedly said to have abandoned his vehicle and the student in a pool of blood, fleeing to avoid being lynched by irate youngsters in the park.
The student, who did not die on the spot, was claimed to have died shortly after being brought to Jalingo’s Federal Medical Centre, FMC.
Some members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, who spoke with our reporter, expressed regret for the driver’s actions, claiming that the union’s leadership will work around the clock to bring him to justice.
Confirming the incident, an official with the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, who declined to engage with journalists, stated, “We are actually aware of the accident.”
He further stated that the driver would be prosecuted.