Black Thursday in Plateau: How a Routine Trip Turned Tragic for UNIJOS Students as Governor Mutfwang Orders Full Support for Families
What began as an ordinary early-morning trip for a group of University of Jos (UNIJOS) students on Thursday ended in one of the institution’s darkest moments, as seven young students— including the President of the National Association of Plateau State Students (NAPSS) — lost their lives in a fatal accident along the Jos route.
The incident, which occurred in the early hours of December 11, 2025, has thrown the university community and the entire Plateau State into mourning.
Authorities say several other students sustained varying degrees of injuries, some serious. Shocked eyewitnesses described the scene as “heartbreaking and chaotic,” with students and passers-by desperately trying to help the victims before rescue arrived.
Governor Mutfwang: “This is a colossal loss to Plateau”
Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, visibly shaken by the news, described the tragedy as “a devastating blow to Plateau’s young generation”. He said the deceased students were bright, active, and full of promise — the kind of youths the state looked up to for future leadership.
“This is a very dark day for Plateau. These students represented hope,” the Governor said in a condolence message.
Immediate Government Action
Sources in Government House confirmed that the Governor immediately directed the Commissioner for Health to ensure all surviving students receive urgent, comprehensive medical attention.
He also ordered the Commissioner for Youth and Sports and the Special Adviser on Youth Mobilisation to work directly with the bereaved families, NANS JCC leadership, and UNIJOS management to coordinate a dignified burial for the deceased students, fully supported by the state government.
Statewide Shock and Grief
Across Jos, students gathered in small groups, some crying uncontrollably, others holding hands in silent disbelief. At the Naraguta campus of UNIJOS, candles were lit in memory of the victims.
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) described the crash as “a tragedy that has robbed Plateau of some of its finest young minds.”
Parents and residents have also taken to social media to express their grief and call for improved road safety measures.
Governor Mutfwang’s Message to the Families
On behalf of the people of Plateau State, Governor Mutfwang extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the departed students and prayed for God’s comfort during this painful period.
He also reassured the public that the government stands fully with the affected families and injured students as they navigate this dark moment.
A State in Mourning
As the university and the state brace for burial plans, many say Plateau has not felt this level of youth loss in recent years.
The Thursday accident, already described as “Black Thursday in Plateau,” will remain etched in the memory of the state for a long time.
