Tragic Crash: 16 NYSC Prospective Corps Members Die En Route to Gombe Camp, 2 Critical
Sixteen prospective corps members from Adeyemi Federal University of Education (AFUED), Ondo State, tragically lost their lives in a road accident while traveling to the Gombe NYSC orientation camp. Two other students from the same institution are reportedly in critical condition following the crash. Eyes Of Lagos reports,
The students were on board an 18-seater bus when the accident occurred, abruptly ending the dreams of the young Nigerians who were set to begin their national service. Emergency responders rushed to the scene to recover the bodies and evacuate the injured survivors to a nearby hospital for urgent medical attention.
Authorities have not yet released an official statement regarding the cause of the crash, and investigations are ongoing. The incident has cast a dark shadow over AFUED, leaving staff, students, and families mourning the sudden loss of promising young lives. Many have described the tragedy as a devastating blow to both the institution and the nation.
The accident has reignited concerns over road safety in Nigeria and renewed calls for the federal government to reassess NYSC mobilization procedures. Observers argue that stricter safety measures must be put in place to ensure that prospective corps members can travel securely to orientation camps.
Social media users expressed shock and grief over the tragedy. One user, DukeofBourdillion, wrote: “WHAT A BLACK WEDNESDAY! My heart is heavy as I commiserate with the families of the NYSC Prospective Corps Members from Adeyemi Federal University of Education (AFUED), Ondo, who, on their journey to the Gombe NYSC Camp, were involved in a devastating and tragic accident. An 18-seater bus, full of bright young Nigerians with hopes and dreams, was reduced to silence in a moment—as nearly everyone on board succumbed instantly to the cold hands of death, leaving only two survivors barely clinging to life.”
He added: “This wave of needless tragedy is becoming unbearable. It is high time the Federal Government intervened decisively to stem the relentless loss of innocent lives on our roads. This is truly heartbreaking—an indescribable loss for their families, their institution, and our nation. Dear President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, I implore you to kindly do something and also, halt the mobilization of NYSC PCMs for the time being.”
The incident underscores the urgent need for improved road safety measures, better vehicle inspections, and stricter adherence to traffic regulations. Families, institutions, and citizens alike are calling for accountability and action to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
