Tragedy has befallen the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Igbariam, Anambra state and Igbariam community following a fatal accident where no less than seven people reportedly lost their lives and four seriously wounded in three separate accidents within the area.
News Echo Correspondent gathered that, the deceased were said to have met their untimely deaths between Friday and Sunday last week.
A student at the school who simply identified himself as Michael Ojukwu said the accident happened as a result of the bumps on the road as well as reckless driving of some Okada riders.
“It was confirmed that four students and three bike men died over the weekend while about four victims were wounded.
A resident, Odera, said, “Friday the accidents took away lives from innocent students at the School along that Road. So far, 5 deaths have been recorded mostly from Okada incidents.
“The investigation provides that the insane riders of the Bike ran at outrageous speed because the road is in good condition.
“Getting to the bumps, they try to meander through the ends where the bumps did not cover, so a little miscalculation crashes the bike and end life, especially of students.”
Public Relations Officer of the institution, Dr. Chukwueloka Christian while confirming the incident, however said the number of students that died were three.
He described the incident as unfortunate, blaming it on recklessness of the motorcyclists.
He regretted that the students had flouted several warnings against use of motorcycles as means of transportation, revealing that the management would soon place a ban on use of motorcycles by the students.
He said, “We’ve severally appealed to the students living off campus to leave their hostels early enough so they can join the shuttle buses and still meet up with their lectures.
“We’ve also written severally to the state government to construct speed breakers on the road to the school but they’re yet to receive positive response.
“Meanwhile, the VC is not relenting in ensuring more hostels were built for the students. The management had already signed Memorandum of Understanding with four firms. One has already commenced work.”
Chukwueloka disclosed that one of the deceased was a 400L student of English Education, the other a 200L English student, while the third was in Philosophy department.
