The leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has lamented the unfortunate deaths of five Nigerian students from Gombe State who lost their lives in a tragic road accident involving a GUO Logistics truck along the Ijebu-Epe Road while travelling in search of Industrial Training (IT) placements.
NANS said it was so unfortunate that the dreams of the deceased students were cut short while travelling from Gombe to Lagos in search of Industrial Training (IT) placements noting that it was devastating to see their journey end in such a tragic manner.
A statement by NANS President Dist. Comr. Akinteye Babatunde Afeez sympathised with the bereaved families friends colleagues and the entire Nigerian student community over the painful loss praying that God grants the families fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
NANS however said that while mourning the departed students it cannot remain silent over the circumstances surrounding the unfortunate incident adding that the most disheartening part of the tragedy was that up till this moment the logistics firm was yet to take responsibility for the ugly incident that took the lives of the students.
‘Consequently we demand that GUO Logistics take full responsibility for this incident and ensure that the families are properly engaged and attended to. The company must also ensure that all injured victims receive adequate medical care.
‘We hereby give GUO Logistics 72 hours to take full responsibility particularly by reaching out to all the bereaved families providing the necessary support to them and ensuring that the injured victims receive adequate medical attention. We expect the company to act accordingly within the stipulated 72 hours.
‘We further demand a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident to establish the facts and ensure that anyone found culpable is held accountable in accordance with the law.
‘Our departed students deserve justice. Their families deserve compassion and support while the injured deserve proper medical care. Of course we cannot bring these students back to life but we can get justice for them.
‘To the families of our departed students and the entire Nigerian student community we share in your pain. These were our colleagues and our future leaders. Their loss is a loss to all of us and we shall continue to demand accountability on their behalf.’