By Correspondent in Lokoja.
The Egbolo community in Igalamela-Odolu Local Government Area of Kogi State has been thrown into deep mourning following the death of four primary school children in a tragic accident on Monday.
Our Correspondent reports that the heartbreaking incident occurred around 8 a.m. when a truck conveying building materials,out of compassion,agreed to give some of the pupils a ride to their school in Ofuloko, a neighbouring community.
Egbolo, despite its large population, has no primary school, forcing young children to trek long distances daily in search of basic education.
Speaking through tears, the community’s youth leader, Usman Idrisu, described the day as “a black Monday in Egbolo.” He explained that the truck, while attempting to climb a hill after crossing a bridge, suddenly lost momentum, rolled backward, and plunged into a river.
Four children died instantly, while several others sustained varying degrees of injuries and were rushed to a hospital in Idah.
“We are deeply grieved. “These children died while simply trying to get an education. This tragedy could have been avoided if we had a primary school in Egbolo,”Idrisu said.
He made a passionate appeal to the Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, to urgently consider establishing a primary school in the community, adding that the continued lack of basic educational facilities exposes their children.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
