A journey of hope turned into heartbreak on Tuesday as several prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members from the Adeyemi Federal University of Education (AFUED), Ondo, lost their lives in a fatal road accident on their way to the NYSC orientation camp in Gombe State.
The victims were travelling in an 18-seater bus when the vehicle crashed, killing the driver and multiple students who had set out to begin their mandatory national service. Local authorities say the impact of the accident was severe, leaving the scene scattered with the belongings of the young graduates.
Witnesses reported that the bus had been headed north with a full load of passengers when the crash occurred, though the exact cause has not yet been confirmed. Emergency responders transported survivors to nearby medical facilities while the bodies of the deceased were evacuated.
The tragedy has cast a dark shadow over AFUED and the families of the victims, many of whom had celebrated the call-up letters only days earlier. School officials say they are working closely with authorities to verify the identities of those affected.
NYSC officials in Gombe have expressed shock over the incident, noting that the scheme consistently urges corps members to prioritise safe travel and avoid night journeys, overcrowded vehicles, or unregistered transport companies.
The accident has reignited public concern about the rising number of young Nigerians who have died in road crashes while travelling to orientation camps across the country. Advocacy groups are calling for stricter transport safety measures and better interstate road conditions.
Families of the victims are mourning deeply as condolences pour in from across the country. The nation has been left grieving yet again over the loss of promising young citizens whose only intention was to serve their fatherland.
