Six KIU students injured in road crash after social event in Maiduguri

Six students of Kashim Ibrahim University (KIU), Maiduguri, sustained serious injuries in a road accident on Friday night following the university’s Social Week closing ceremony. Eyewitnesses attributed the crash to reckless and negligent driving.

The accident occurred near Gambari Village along the Maiduguri–Konduga road, involving a Hilux van carrying the students and a truck loaded with cement.

The collision left six students injured — three with leg fractures and three with hand fractures.

According to eyewitnesses, the Hilux driver, who was allegedly overspeeding and making dangerous turns while celebrating after the event, lost control and crashed into the oncoming truck.

“The students were returning from the Social Week celebration, playing loud music and cheering.

“Despite warnings from passengers, the driver kept speeding.

“He tried to avoid a pothole and ended up colliding with a truck,” said Musa Ibrahim, an eyewitness.

Rescue efforts by emergency responders and good Samaritans ensured the victims were quickly taken to the Umaru Shehu Ultra-Modern Hospital for first aid.

Medical officials later confirmed that three of the victims with critical fractures were transferred to the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) for further treatment.

A senior university official, who requested anonymity, described the incident as a preventable tragedy caused by recklessness and disregard for safety rules.

“It’s unfortunate that what should have been a moment of joy turned into a tragedy.

“We constantly caution our students against reckless celebrations and unsafe driving, but some fail to heed the warnings,” the official said.