Tragedy struck on Sunday when five students of Osun State University lost their lives in a tragic auto crash around the Balogun area of Ikire community in Irewole Local Government of Osun State.
The ghastly road accident involving a luxurious bus traveling from Ibadan and an 18-passenger bus from Osogbo resulted in multiple fatalities, including five UNIOSUN students.
Confirming the incident in a press statement, the university’s Public Relations Officer, Ademola Adesoji, stated that, according to reports from the Nigerian Police and the Federal Road Safety Corps, the accident was caused by a head-on collision between the two buses, leading to a severe impact that claimed the lives of several passengers.
According to the statement, “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 Adedayo, 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,” Adesoji added.
The Nigerian Police have confirmed a total of ten fatalities from this unfortunate incident. 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. Osun State University will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as necessary. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the grieving families and pray that they find strength and solace in this moment of grief,” the statement said.