By Dada Ahmed in Lokoja.
,,,SSANU writes Governor ODodo on Felele Highway.
The Federal University, Lokoja (FUL), Kogi State, has been thrown into deep mourning following the tragic death of one of its lecturers, Dr. (Mrs) Emmanuel-Olowonubi Oluwakemi Mercy, who was crushed to death by a moving articulated vehicle along the notorious Crusher axis of Felele High Way on the outskirts of Lokoja on Wednesday.
According to sources who spoke to The Reporters, the deceased, a lecturer in the Department of Theatre Arts, met her untimely death when an articulated vehicle allegedly ran over the motorcycle conveying her to her destination.
However, another source from Africom source, said the accident occurred around 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, when the lecturer fell off a commercial motorcycle after being hit by a moving truck along the highway and was crushed.
Confirming the incident in a telephone interview with The Reporters on Thursday, the University’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. Daniel Nwankwo, said details surrounding the tragic event remained sketchy.
“The full picture of what actually happened is still unclear. While some eyewitnesses claimed she was riding on a motorcycle when she was hit, others said there was no sign of a crash on the body of the motorcycle said to have been hit by the vehicle at the scene,”
Nwankwo explained.
He added that investigations were ongoing to ascertain the true circumstances leading to her death.
The shocking news has thrown the university community and residents of Lokoja into mourning, with colleagues and students expressing grief over the loss of a dedicated scholar and mentor.
Crusher–Felele Road, where the accident occurred, has long been notorious for fatal crashes.
Earlier this year, some FUL students also lost their lives along the same route when a truck rammed into a commercial bus conveying them to campus.
The tragic death of Dr. (Mrs) Oluwakemi Mercy has once again drawn public attention to the history of deadly accident on the Crusher-Felele road a feasible many describe as “road of sorrow.”
Meanwhile,Comrade Kadiri Ismaila Ndakata,
Chairman, Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, (SSANU) Federal University lokoja branch,has written to the Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo on Felele Highway.
The statement entitled:
“Felele Highway: SSANU Federal University lokoja branch Chairman Writes Gov Ododo,” reads:
Meanwhile,the Chairman, Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, (SSANU) Federal University lokoja branch, Comrade Kadiri Ismaila Ndakata, has written a letter to Gov. Usman Ahmed Ododo, Kogi State Governor on
on the Proposed Restriction of Daytime Truck Operations and Urgent Road Safety Interventions along Felele Expressway.
The letter reads:
The Executive Governor
Kogi State Government House
Lokoja, Kogi State.
Dear Your Excellency,
Follow-Up on the Proposed Restriction of Daytime Truck Operations and Urgent Road Safety Interventions along Felele Expressway
With utmost respect and sincere appreciation for your continuous efforts toward enhancing road safety and infrastructure development within the state, we wish to draw your esteemed attention once again to the urgent need to implement the proposed ban on heavy-duty trucks operating during the daytime along the Felele Expressway in Lokoja.
Your administration’s earlier commitment to this measure was widely welcomed by residents, commuters, and the academic community in the Felele axis, as it reflects a deep concern for the safety and well-being of the people. Unfortunately, the persistent movement of articulated vehicles during peak hours continues to pose grave risks to road users.
Tragically, this concern was underscored yesterday by the unfortunate loss of a staff member of the Federal University, Lokoja, who passed away in a fatal accident at the Crusher Junction area after closing from work.
We deeply commiserate with the management, staff, and students of the Federal University Lokoja on this painful loss. Her untimely demise once again highlights the urgent necessity of implementing comprehensive safety measures along this critical route.
In light of the above, we humbly appeal to the Kogi State Government to:
1. Enforce the ban on daytime operations of heavy-duty trucks along the Felele Expressway to reduce congestion and accidents during busy hours.
2. Construct an overhead bridge at the Crusher Junction to ensure safer vehicular movement and ease the recurrent traffic bottlenecks that endanger lives daily.
3. Erect a pedestrian bridge in front of the Federal University Lokoja (Felele Campus) to provide a safe crossing point for students, staff, and residents.
4. Implement a strict policy and enforcement mechanism against trucks and other vehicles driving against traffic (one-way) on the expressway.
These measures, if swiftly implemented, will not only save lives but also reflect your government’s unwavering commitment to safety, order, and development in the state capital.
We once again express our condolences to the bereaved family and the entire university community and pray that Almighty God grants them the strength to bear this irreparable loss.
Thank you, Your Excellency, for your continued dedication to the safety and progress of our dear state. We remain confident that your government will give this matter the urgent attention it deserves.
With highest regards,
Yours faithfully,
E-sign:
Comrade Kadiri Ismaila Ndakata,
Chairman, Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, (SSANU) Federal University lokoja branch.”
