Kaduna — The National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) has embarked on a three-day peaceful protest across the country in response to recent fatal road accidents involving cement company trucks, which led to loss of lives and multiple injuries in Auchi, Edo State.

In a statement issued by the association’s Action Committee Public Relations Officer, Usman Dende, NAPS said the protest began yesterday and is scheduled to end tomorrow. The demonstration aims to raise awareness about road safety and demand justice for the victims.

The association highlighted a tragic incident on August 12, in which Ruth Otabor, a recent graduate of Auchi Polytechnic, sustained critical injuries that led to the amputation of her leg after being hit by one of the company’s trucks.

Another accident on August 17 reportedly resulted in the deaths of three individuals and left many others injured, including students.

NAPS emphasized that while road accidents are unfortunately common in Nigeria, the repeated involvement of articulated vehicles in such tragedies necessitates urgent reforms. The association called for enhanced safety regulations, more rigorous driver training, and greater accountability.

Their list of demands includes: immediate suspension and retraining of drivers found guilty of negligence; full medical support for Ruth Otabor, the injured motorcyclist, and all other victims; economic assistance for affected families; construction of pedestrian bridges and installation of speed bumps in areas with high student populations along truck routes.

They also called for collaboration with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to ensure stricter compliance with road safety rules, regular safety audits, and transparent disciplinary actions against violators.

NAPS stated that it had initially pursued dialogue with relevant authorities but resorted to peaceful protests as a way to push for more concrete commitments to safeguarding lives on the road.