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Lokoja, Kogi State — Tragedy struck in the Kogi State capital as a female lecturer at the Federal University Lokoja, identified as Kemi Emmanuel, lost her life after being crushed by an articulated truck along the busy Lokoja-Abuja highway.
News Week Nigeria reports that the incident occurred on Wednesday, October 22, near the Crusher-Felele axis of the highway. According to eyewitnesses, the victim was riding on a commercial motorcycle when she was hit by a moving truck, causing her to fall onto the road, where she was subsequently run over by the vehicle.
FRSC Confirms the Incident
Confirming the tragic occurrence, the Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Kogi State, Tenimu Etuku, said the fatal crash happened at about 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday.
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“When the accident happened, our rescue operation team responded promptly and quickly rushed the victim to Kogi State Specialist Hospital, where she was confirmed dead,” Etuku said.
He added that the corpse had been deposited at the hospital mortuary while investigations were ongoing.
Okada Rider Fled the Scene
The FRSC commander expressed concern over the conduct of the commercial motorcycle operator, who reportedly fled the scene under the pretext of pursuing the hit-and-run truck.
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Etuku condemned the reckless behavior of motorcycle riders who often compete with heavy vehicles on highways, warning that such actions endanger not only their lives but also those of passengers.
“We caution motorcycle riders against competing with enclosed vehicles on the highway. They must operate responsibly to avoid such avoidable tragedies,” he stated.
Community in Shock
The death of the young lecturer has thrown the Federal University Lokoja community into mourning. Colleagues and students described Kemi Emmanuel as a dedicated academic and mentor who contributed significantly to the Theatre Arts Department.
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Several staff members who spoke off record expressed deep sorrow, calling for improved road safety awareness and stricter regulation of motorcycle operations around the university environment.
Highway Danger at Crusher-Felele Axis
The Lokoja-Abuja Expressway, particularly the Crusher-Felele stretch, has recorded several fatal accidents over the years. Motorists and commuters have often complained about reckless driving by both truck operators and commercial motorcyclists along that corridor.
Authorities have repeatedly emphasized the need for stricter enforcement of road safety regulations and the construction of pedestrian bridges or dedicated lanes to prevent further loss of lives.
Road Safety Appeal
The FRSC has urged road users, especially commercial drivers and motorcycle operators, to adhere strictly to traffic rules and exercise patience while driving through crowded or high-speed areas.
The agency reiterated its commitment to public sensitization campaigns and consistent patrols aimed at reducing avoidable road fatalities in Kogi State and across Nigeria.
