- Safiu Kehinde
A road accident at Balogun area of Ikire, Osun state, has claimed 10 lives, Including five Osun State University (UNIOSUN) students.
The tragic incident reportedly occured on Sunday when a luxurious bus travelling from Ibadan and an 18-passenger bus from Osogbo had a head-on collision resulting in multiple fatalities.
This was confirmed in a statement issued on Monday by the UNIOSUN’s Public Relations Officer, Ademola Adesoji.
The deceased students as identified in the statement include Olagbemide Dotun, a 200-level student of Software Engineering; Suleiman Farouq, a 400-level student of Law; Ogundare Pelumi, a 300-level student of Public Health; Ogundare Elijah, a 100-level student of Mechanical Engineering; and Olawuyi Mary, a 200-level student of Nursing.
While expressing sadness over the tragic incident, Adesoji disclosed that the institution is working closely with the relevant authorities to gather more details on the circumstances surrounding the accident
“Our University Management, upon receiving this distressing news, swiftly dispatched a team to the scene to identify and support any of our students involved in the accident.
“Regrettably, we confirm the loss of the following students; Olagbemide Dotun, a 200-level student of Software Engineering, Suleiman Farouq, a 400-level student of Law, Ogundare Pelumi, a 300-level student of Public Health, Ogundare Elijah, a 100-level student of Mechanical Engineering and Olawuyi Mary, a 200-level student of Nursing.
“However, one of our students, Olagbemide Damilola, a 200-level student of Medicine and Surgery, survived the accident and is currently receiving medical attention.
“Osun State University is working closely with the relevant authorities to gather more details on the circumstances surrounding the accident. We are also providing necessary moral and logistical support to the bereaved families, including funeral arrangements for the deceased students.
“This tragic loss has deeply shaken our University community. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones of the deceased. We urge our students, staff, and the entire university community to remain calm and supportive during this difficult time”, he said.
Reacting to the incident, Osun state governor, Ademola Adeleke, expressed his condolences with the families of the deceased.
Adeleke, in a statement issued on Monday by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, described the death of the students as a collosal and heart-wrenching loss for Osun State, considering the great potentials they held for the present and future of the state.
The Governor prayed for the quick recovery of passengers’ who survived the accident and receiving treatment at the hospital.
He, however, charged motorists to adhere strictly to laid down safety guidelines in order to make traveling on our roads safer.
“I am deeply saddened to hear about a fatal motor accident in Ikire on Sunday that resulted in the death of 10 people, five of which are students of the Osun State University (UNIOSUN).
“It is really touching for me, and I want to use this avenue to commiserate the families of the deceased and the University community which are thrown into mourning,” Governor Adeleke was quoted as saying in a condolences message.
“I also pray for the quick recovery of survivors who are receiving medical treatment as a result of the incident. It is my prayer that God Almighty repose their souls and give their loved ones the fortitude to bear the irreparable losses occasioned by their death.” He added.