Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has conveyed his condolences following the tragic accident on the Maiduguri-Damaturu Road, which resulted in the deaths of two students and left 16 others seriously injured.
In a statement released on Thursday by his spokesperson, Dauda Illiya, Governor Babagana Zulum expressed his condolences to the Borno State University community, as well as the parents and guardians of the students affected by the tragic accident.
“I extend my deepest sympathies to the families of the affected students, the management, staff, and students of Borno State University over this unfortunate incident.
“I am deeply touched by this tragic accident involving a students’ bus and a trailer, which occurred as the students were returning after completing their examinations,” Zulum said.
The accident, which took place in the Njimtilo area, involved a truck belonging to the Dangote Group and a university bus transporting students. While eight of the injured students have been discharged and are recovering, others are still receiving treatment in the hospital.
To prevent future occurrences, Governor Zulum has directed the Ministry of Works to expedite the completion of the ongoing Maiduguri Trailer Park project.
“I have instructed the Ministry of Works to ensure the immediate completion of the trailer park. Once operational, trailers will no longer be permitted into the city centre, a move aimed at reducing intra-city road accidents within the metropolis,” the governor said.
He further assured everyone that the state government is committed to taking “deliberate and decisive measures” to prevent the recurrence of such a sad incident.
Zulum also promised that the state government would handle all medical costs for the injured students and that he would visit them personally in the hospital to convey his condolences. He expressed hope for their speedy recovery and reiterated the government’s dedication to strengthening road safety initiatives throughout the state.
The incident has raised fresh concerns about the safety of students and residents in Maiduguri, prompting Zulum’s administration to pledge the enforcement of stricter regulations on heavy vehicles within the metropolis.
