Lawmakers in the Kogi State House of Assembly have urged the state government to create alternative routes to the two higher institutions within the state capital to avert further loss of lives along the Felele-Crusher highway in Lokoja.
In a motion of urgent public importance, Hon Bin Ebaiya Shehu Tijani called on the State Government to take measures to mitigate the continued occurrence of vehicular accidents along the Felele-Crusher highway. He prayed that the State Government should increase measures to prevent mishaps, particularly by increasing the number of vehicle-controlling law enforcement officers.
Recalling the incident that led to the closure of Federal University Lokoja following the death of some students, Hon. Tijani said, “On Monday, 17th February 2025, at about the close of work for that day, an accident occurred along Felele-Crusher Road, claiming the lives of students of Federal University Lokoja and the driver of the shuttle conveying them.
“Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, and Federal University Lokoja are institutions of learning located along that route. Before this time, a series of accidents claiming the lives of students, residents, and other road users have occurred along the same highway.
“If something reasonable is not done to nip the situation in the bud, the highway, which has already constituted a threat to the existence of the higher institutions along that route, will further worsen the situation.
“Kogi State Government, under the leadership of His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, the Executive Governor, has shown persistent concern and worry over incidents claiming the lives of citizens and road users.
“It has become imperative that the state legislature adds its voice to the worrying trend arising from constant accidents along the Felele-Crusher highway.”
The lawmaker, however, prayed that the State Government increase the number of speed bumps and other speed-limiting measures on the road to minimize the situation.
Other prayers of the lawmaker read: “A letter of condolence should be sent to the management of Federal University Lokoja over the loss of lives in that accident while also commending them for the proactive steps taken to forestall the breakdown of law and order in the institution.
“A letter of commendation should be sent to the Executive under the leadership of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for the swift decision to bring about a lasting solution to the problem by setting up a committee to examine the remote and immediate causes of the accident and make appropriate recommendations.”
In his contribution, the member representing Ajaokuta State Constituency, Hon. Abu Onoru-Oiza Jibrin, described the motion as timely, noting that the House should expedite action to avert further loss of lives on that road.
The Deputy Speaker and member representing Ibaji State Constituency, Hon. Comfort Ojoma Nwochiola Egwaba, while thanking the mover of the motion, described the incessant deaths on Felele-Crusher Road as very worrisome.
“We can’t continue to watch the lives of our youths being lost on that road. I am a mother; we should ask ourselves—if it were our own children, would we keep quiet? Its reoccurrence is not something we should accept.
“I am seconding the prayers for the State Government to pay an on-the-spot visit to that road. The loss of innocent lives on that road is an issue the State Government should address. The Government should take swift action to reduce or stop the recurrence of this sad incident.”
Also speaking, Hon. Seyi Bello, the member representing Kabba Bunu State Constituency, while aligning himself with the prayers of the motion, added that the State Government should construct pedestrian bridges around all the higher institutions in Lokoja.
He urged the State Government to collaborate with the Federal Road Safety Corps to ensure the safety of pedestrians using the road.
The lawmaker also suggested that the State Government should ban the movement of heavy-duty vehicles and trucks on the road during the daytime, stressing that similar measures have been implemented in other states and have successfully averted casualties.
In his ruling, the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Umar Yusuf, urged the State Government to create alternative routes to the two higher institutions within the Felele-Crusher axis.
The House also resolved that the community leaders within Felele-Crusher Road should think outside the box by considering the spiritual aspect to ascertain the frequent causes of accidents on that route.
The Speaker also pleaded with the school management to reconsider reopening the school for academic activities.