Felele Crash: Gov Ododo Visits FUL, Moves to Enhance Road Safety »

In response to the tragic road accident that claimed the lives of six students along the Felele route, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State has taken decisive action to prevent future occurrences.

Represented by Deputy Governor Joel Salifu, the governor led a delegation, including the Deputy Chief of Staff, Hon. Hilary Ojoma Egwudah, State Security Adviser, Commodore Jerry Omodara (Rtd), Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Monday Anyebe to the Federal University Lokoja to offer condolences. He described the incident as both devastating and unacceptable, assuring the university community of the government’s full commitment to safeguarding lives and property.

Governor Ododo disclosed that he has engaged the Minister of Works, who is expected to visit the state soon for an on-site assessment and to implement measures aimed at preventing similar tragedies.

As part of immediate interventions, the governor directed the Managing Director of the Kogi Road Maintenance Agency to assess the feasibility of constructing pedestrian bridges. Additionally, the State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has been instructed to establish checkpoints with officers strategically deployed to enforce speed regulations.

To provide a comprehensive and lasting solution, Governor Ododo inaugurated a special committee composed of key stakeholders, including: The Security Adviser to the Governor, Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Commissioner for Education.

Others are, the Vice Chancellor of Federal University Lokoja, Student Union President of the university, Lokoja Sector Commander of the FRSC, Senior Special Assistants on Youth and Student Affairs and representatives of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Lokoja Chapter.

This committee has been tasked with recommending and implementing safety measures to protect students and other road users.

During the visit, the Vice Chancellor of Federal University Lokoja, Professor Olayemi Akinwumi, commended the state government for its swift intervention. He urged the governor to expedite the construction of the Agbaja-Felele road to serve as an alternative route for students and to provide additional buses for student transportation.

Similarly, the Student Union President, Comrade Benjamin Olorunfemi Timothy, called for the urgent construction of pedestrian facilities along Felele Road. He also appealed for an end to police harassment of students, emphasizing that security personnel should focus on protecting rather than intimidating them.

He acknowledged the government’s prompt response, particularly the decision to restrict daytime movement of heavy trucks within the state, describing it as a crucial step in preventing further loss of life.

Following the visit, the Deputy Governor convened an emergency meeting to address key concerns, including student road safety, improved security in student lodgings, government support for bereaved families, and the need for a permanent solution to the persistent traffic hazards in educational zones.

Governor Ododo reaffirmed his commitment to working closely with the Federal Ministry of Works to implement lasting solutions, ensuring safer roads for students and the general public.