Tragedy in Kogi East: Truck Carrying Schoolchildren Crashes Into River, Four Dead

At least four primary school pupils were killed on Monday in Igalaland, Kogi East, after a truck ferrying them from Egbolo community to Ofuloko Community School veered off course and plunged into a river. The accident, which occurred around 8:30 a.m., has thrown the entire region into mourning and renewed anger over poor educational infrastructure.

Eyewitnesses said several other pupils sustained injuries as the truck, originally meant for carrying building materials, attempted to transport the children to school. Families revealed that pupils in Egbolo routinely endure long and dangerous journeys because the community has no primary school—forcing parents to rely on unsafe alternatives.

Following the tragedy, aggrieved residents blocked the road in protest, accusing the government of abandoning Egbolo for years despite repeated pleas for a functional school. One bereaved father, who lost his young son, expressed deep sorrow, saying the deaths were the direct consequence of long-standing neglect.

A youth leader, Usman Idrisu, explained that the truck lost control while trying to climb a hill shortly after crossing a bridge. It rolled backward and crashed into the river, killing four pupils instantly. “We are seriously grieved in Egbolo community for the death of our children who died in the course of seeking education,” he said, calling it one of the darkest days the community has ever witnessed.

Idrisu emphasised that Egbolo is a sizable community with no single primary school, forcing children to trek long distances or depend on unstable, makeshift rides. Monday’s accident, he added, highlights the urgent need for government intervention to safeguard the lives of schoolchildren.

He appealed to Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo to establish a primary school in the community, saying no child should have to risk their life simply to access basic education.

Residents who joined the protest echoed similar concerns, urging the government to prioritise rural education and infrastructure. They insisted that the loss of young lives in pursuit of schooling was unacceptable and avoidable.

As of press time, neither the Kogi State government nor the police command had issued an official response. Attempts to contact the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP William Aya, were unsuccessful, heightening community frustration.

Meanwhile, locals and volunteers continued search-and-rescue operations in hopes of finding missing pupils and assisting survivors. The atmosphere in Egbolo remained heavy with grief as families mourned and demanded immediate action to prevent future tragedies.