The National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) has announced a three-day peaceful protest across Nigeria from Monday, August 18 to Wednesday, August 20, 2025, following series of fatal road accidents involving articulated vehicles, particularly in Auchi, Edo State.
On August 12, Miss Ruth Otabor, a fresh graduate of Auchi Polytechnic, lost her leg after being hit by a heavy-duty vehicle belonging to Dangote Cement.
Another accident on August 17 claimed three lives and left several others, including students, badly injured.
In a statement issued in Kaduna and signed by its Action Committee PRO, Comrade Usman Dende, demanded immediate suspension and retraining of drivers violating road safety standards.
The association also called for comprehensive medical and rehabilitation support for Miss Otabor and other accident victims.
NAPS also called for the construction of pedestrian bridges and the installation of speed bumps in student-populated communities.
It also spoke of the need for collaboration with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to ensure full compliance with safety laws is also demanded.
The students also urged for periodic safety audits and transparent punishment for erring drivers are part of the demands.
NAPS emphasised the need for accountability, safer roads, and justice for victims after attempts at dialogue with stakeholders didn’t yield firm commitments.
The student body called on civil society organisations, religious leaders, and concerned Nigerians to join in advocating for safer highways and better welfare for road accident victims.
“This is a call for accountability, safer roads, and justice for victims. Our concern is to protect lives and prevent further tragedies,” the statement said.