Sixteen prospective corps members from Adeyemi Federal University of Education (AFUED), Ondo, have died in a tragic road accident while travelling to the NYSC orientation camp in Gombe State.
Two other students from the institution are currently in critical condition.
The victims were on board an 18-seater bus when the crash occurred, cutting short the dreams of young Nigerians preparing to begin their national service.
Emergency responders were called to the scene, where the bodies were evacuated and the injured rushed to a nearby hospital for urgent medical attention.
Authorities say investigations into the cause of the accident are underway, as the AFUED community remains in deep mourning.
Students, staff, and families have described the incident as a devastating blow, not just to the school, but to the nation.
The tragedy has once again caused conversations about road safety in Nigeria, especially the risks faced by prospective corps members who often travel long distances for NYSC deployment.
Many Nigerians are calling on the federal government to review transportation arrangements and strengthen safety measures for mobilising graduates.
One online user, DukeofBourdillion, expressed his grief and frustration, describing the incident as a “Black Wednesday” and urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take immediate action, including temporarily halting NYSC mobilization.
