Accidents: OAU Students Seek Tinubu, Adeleke’s Intervention

The Students’ Union of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu and Governor Ademola Adeleke to embark on massive infrastructural development to address incessant accidents in the ancient town.

The appeal follows the tragic death of a final year student of the Department of Foreign Languages, Esu Rita Ema who was killed by a reckless driver while crossing the Ife-Ibadan axis of the campus gate road last Thursday.

Ema was knocked down by a Lexus car with Abuja Registration Number ABJ 427 LQ driven by one Lasisi Sodiq Segun on the way to submit her final year project on campus.

The SU in an open letter to both federal and Osun State governments, signed by the President, Damilola Omoboriowo, and Secretary, Joy Babatimehin said there is an urgent need for the construction of a pedestrian bridge outside the campus gate (Ife-Ibadan road) to provide safe crossing points for students.

They also called for construction of speed bumps at strategic locations within and outside the campus gate to prevent such occurrences.

READ: Agony As Car Kills OAU Final Year Student On Way To Submit Project

The letter reads: “In light of the tragic event, (the death of our own Esu Rita Ema, who was knocked down by a reckless driver), we urgently call on the Federal and State Governments to take immediate and decisive action to prevent such incidents from recurring.

“It is important that the government prioritizes the implementation of key infrastructure and safety measures to protect the lives of our students.

“Firstly, we request the establishment of a designated garage for Lagos/Ibadan buses. This will create a specific area for bus routes and parking, reducing congestion and ensuring clear visibility at the highway intersection for our students.

“Secondly, we strongly advocate for the construction of functioning pedestrian bridges outside the campus gate (Ife-Ibadan road), the integrity of the one we have is in doubt.

“These bridges will provide safe crossing points for our students and other pedestrians, significantly reducing the chances of accidents involving vehicles. The safety of our students should never be compromised, and ensuring safe pathways is a fundamental step toward achieving this.

“Thirdly, we urge the authorities to strictly enforce traffic rules. Clear and enforced traffic regulations will enhance road safety within and around our campus. Reckless driving and non-compliance with traffic rules pose serious threats to lives, and this must be addressed immediately.”