BY MUSA IDRIS UMAR
Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, has expressed his condolences to the Borno State University (BOSU) following a tragic motor accident that claimed the lives of two students and left 16 others critically injured.
According to reports, eight of the affected students have been discharged and are recuperating.
The accident, which occurred on Wednesday evening at the Njimtilo area along the Maiduguri-Damaturu road, involved a students' bus and a trailer.
While condoling with BOSU, Gov. Zulum described the incident as 'unfortunate' and 'tragic'.
He said that he is deeply 'touched' by the loss of young lives.
'I extend my deepest sympathies to families of the affected students, the management, staff, and students of Borno State University over this unfortunate incident.
'I am deeply touched by this tragic accident involving a students’ bus and a trailer, which occurred as the students were returning after completing their examinations,' he said.
In response to the incident, Gov. Zulum has directed the ministry of works to expedite the completion of the ongoing Maiduguri Trailer Park project.
He also announced plans to enforce a ban on trailers and other heavy vehicles from accessing the city center, aimed at minimizing future accidents.
'I have instructed the ministry of works to ensure the immediate completion of the trailer park. Once operational, trailers will no longer be permitted into the city centre, a move aimed at reducing intra-city road accidents within the metropolis.
'Borno State government will take deliberate and decisive measures to prevent a recurrence of such a tragic incident,' he added.
He assured that the state government will cover all medical expenses for the injured students currently receiving treatment.
The governor also pledged to personally visit the victims in the hospital to sympathize with them and their families.
'I wish the injured students a swift recovery and assure the public of government’s commitment to improving road safety measures across the state,' he assured.
Also reacting to the incident, Vice President Kashim Shettima expressed his condolences to the families of the victims, describing the loss of young lives as 'a loss for Borno State and our nation'.
'The loss of these bright, young lives is not just a loss for their families but a loss for Borno State and our nation. These graduates embodied hope, promise, and aspirations of a brighter future. Their untimely departure leaves an irreplaceable void,' he said.
He assured the students' families of the government's support and promised that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will provide all necessary support to ease their burden and honor the memory of these young individuals.
'To the students recovering from injuries, I wish you a swift and full recovery. Be assured that the Federal Government and the Borno State Government will provide you with all the needed support,' he assured.