By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja
The Kogi State House of Assembly has called on the state government to create alternative routes for students of Federal University Lokoja and Kogi State Polytechnic due to the frequent road accidents along the Felele-Crusher axis of the Lokoja-Abuja highway.
This resolution was adopted following a motion of Urgent Public Importance moved by Hon. Bin Ebaiya Shehu-Tijani (APC-Lokoja-1) during the plenary session on Tuesday in Lokoja.
The motion urged the government to take immediate steps to mitigate the recurring vehicular accidents along the accident-prone stretch of the highway.
Hon. Shehu-Tijani cited a tragic accident that occurred on Monday, February 17, 2025, between Felele and Crusher, which claimed the lives of students from Federal University Lokoja and the driver of their shuttle bus. He also recalled an earlier incident involving a truck that killed two students—one from each institution.
“Before these recent incidents, several accidents have claimed the lives of students, residents, and other road users on this highway,” he lamented. “If urgent measures are not taken, the situation could become even more disastrous for the higher institutions along this route.”
Shehu-Tijani commended Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for his concern over road safety issues and urged the government to increase the number of speed bumps and other traffic-calming measures to reduce fatalities.
Other lawmakers supported the motion, emphasizing the urgency of action.
Hon. Abu Onoru-Oiza Jibrin (Ajaokuta Constituency) described the motion as timely, stressing the need for immediate intervention to prevent further loss of lives.
Deputy Speaker Hon. Comfort Ojoma Nwuchiola Egwaba (Ibaji Constituency) called for decisive action, stating, “We cannot continue to watch our youths perish on this road. As a mother, I ask: if these were our children, would we remain silent? The government must act swiftly to prevent further tragedies.”
Hon. Seyi Bello (APC-Kabba Bunu) supported the motion and suggested the construction of pedestrian bridges near all higher institutions in Lokoja. He also proposed restricting heavy-duty trucks from using the highway during daytime hours and urged collaboration with the Federal Road Safety Corps to enhance pedestrian safety.
In his ruling, Speaker Rt. Hon. Aliyu Umar Yusuf urged the state government to create alternative routes for the affected institutions and implement additional safety measures.
The House also resolved that community leaders within the Felele-Crusher corridor should explore the possible spiritual aspects of the frequent accidents to determine any underlying causes.
Additionally, the Speaker called on the management of the affected institutions to reconsider reopening the schools for academic activities.