A tragic accident in Lokoja, the Kogi State capital, has claimed the life of a female lecturer from the Federal University Lokoja (FUL).
The Kogi State Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) confirmed that the lecturer, identified as Mrs. Kemi Emmanuel, died after being hit by a runaway articulated truck on Wednesday.
The Sector Commander of FRSC in Kogi State, Mr. Tenimu Etuku, who confirmed the incident, described it as “very sad and unfortunate.”
He noted that Mrs. Emmanuel was a respected academic in the Department of Theatre Arts at the institution and her death represents a great loss to the university community.
According to eyewitness accounts, the accident occurred at the Crusher area of Lokoja late Wednesday afternoon.
Mrs. Emmanuel was reportedly a passenger on a commercial motorcycle (Okada) when she fell onto the highway before being struck by the speeding truck.
Mr. Etuku explained that the FRSC rescue team promptly arrived at the scene and rushed the victim to the Kogi State Specialist Hospital. Sadly, she was confirmed dead on arrival by medical personnel.
Her remains have since been deposited at the hospital’s mortuary while investigations into the incident are ongoing.
The FRSC Commander also raised concern over the conduct of the Okada rider, who allegedly fled the scene under the guise of pursuing the truck driver. He said the command was working with other security agencies to trace both the driver of the truck and the fleeing motorcyclist.
While commiserating with the family of the deceased, Mr. Etuku cautioned motorcycle riders against reckless driving and competing for space with heavy-duty vehicles on major highways.
He stressed the need for discipline and vigilance among road users to prevent similar avoidable tragedies in the state.
