There is outrage at the Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic, Ikot Osurua, in Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area as two female students were crushed to death by a moving truck just two days before the completion of their National Diploma programme in the institution.
The incident happened on Monday when the driver of the truck lost control and rammed into the girls killing them instantly on the spot.
Our correspondent learnt that the incident occurred a few metres away from the school’s premises, near the junction of Ikot Inyang village, along Aba Road in Ikot Ekpene.
The deceased, Abasifreke Okon and Irene Edwin, from Ikot Abasi and Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Areas respectively, were preparing for their practical examinations scheduled to hold on Wednesday.
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The deceased ND 2 Science Laboratory Technology students, described as “besties and inseparable twins”, were supposed to have completed their academic programme after their exams on Wednesday (today).
Meanwhile, the management of the polytechnic has postponed the examinations as many classmates of the deceased were said to have wept uncontrollably as the remains of the victims were evacuated to the mortuary.
Confirming the incident, Akwa Ibom State Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps, Matthew Olonisaye, attributed the loss of lives to reckless driving and non-adherence to the rules guiding road usage.
While commiserating with the families of the deceased, Olonisaye urged drivers to make the maintenance of their vehicles a top priority, saying accidents are caused and don’t just happen.
“It actually happened; it’s because of loss of control by the driver. We advise drivers to abide by the rules that guide the usage of the road. They should not be in a hurry.
“Drivers should also make vehicle maintenance a priority because any life lost cannot come back. Accident does not just happen, it is caused.
“I commiserate with the families of those who lost their lives,” he concluded.
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