The National Association of Nigerian Students, Osun State Joint Campus Council (NANS JCC OSUN), has mourned the tragic loss of five students from Osun State University (UNIOSUN) who died in a motor accident along the Ikire road area of Osun State on Sunday.
The unfortunate incident claimed 10 lives, including five students.
The student body demanded a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy, calling for Silver Transport Company to be held responsible for any violations of safety regulations that contributed to the accident.
In a petition to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, NANS JCC OSUN expressed its outrage and disappointment at the gross negligence and lack of accountability exhibited by Silver Transport Company.
The petition highlighted the company’s failure to release an official statement, send condolences to the victims’ families, or accept responsibility for their role in the tragedy.
According to statement, “With due respect to your esteemed office, we, the leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) Osun Axis in conjunction with NAUS CMC Osun (JCC Osun), and NANS Southwest (Zone D) write to formally bring to your urgent attention the gross negligence, reckless endangerment, and utter lack of accountability exhibited by Silver Transport Company in connection with the recent tragic accident near Ibadan Way involving students of Osun State University (UNIOSUN).
“It is deeply disturbing that despite the gravity of this incident, Silver Transport Company has failed to release any official statement, send condolences to the victims’ families, or accept responsibility for their role in this unfortunate disaster. Their silence is not only an insult to the bereaved families but also a blatant disregard for human lives and public safety.
“Your Excellency, this recklessness cannot go unpunished. Companies operating in Nigeria must be held accountable for their actions, especially when their negligence leads to the loss of innocent lives. We therefore demand the following immediate actions from your office:
“Thorough Investigation & Accountability, We call for an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding this tragedy, ensuring that Silver Transport Company is held responsible for any violations of safety regulations that contributed to the accident.
“Government Sanctions & Possible Closure, We demand that Silver Transport Company be questioned and, if found guilty of negligence, sealed off indefinitely to prevent further loss of lives due to their irresponsible operations.
“The Ministry of Transportation should review their operational license and assess whether the company meets the necessary safety standards required to continue operations in Nigeria.
“Justice for the Victims & Their Families, The affected students and their families deserve justice. The government should compel Silver Transport Company to take full responsibility and compensate the victims’ families for their loss.
“Police Must Not Bury This Case; We have observed a pattern where cases of corporate negligence are swept under the carpet. We strongly urge the Inspector General of Police and the Commissioner, Osun State Police Command to ensure that this case is not abandoned or manipulated in favor of the transport company.
“Nigerian students will not remain silent while innocent lives continue to be endangered by the irresponsibility of corporate entities. If swift action is not taken, NANS JCC Osun will mobilize students across the state and beyond for a mass action to demand justice.
“We trust in Your Excellency’s commitment to justice and public safety, and we look forward to your immediate intervention in this pressing matter.”
