The National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) has announced a three-day nationwide peaceful protest in response to recent road accidents involving trucks belonging to a cement company. The protests, which started on Monday and will end on Wednesday, aim to draw attention to road safety concerns and seek justice for victims.
The protests were sparked by two recent incidents in Auchi, Edo State. On August 12, a fresh graduate of Auchi Polytechnic, Miss Ruth Otabor, sustained severe injuries resulting in the amputation of her leg after an accident involving a truck. On August 19, another incident claimed three lives and left several people injured, including some students.
NAPS has outlined several demands, including the suspension and retraining of drivers found wanting in safety standards, comprehensive medical support for victims, and livelihood support for victims and their families. The association also demands the construction of pedestrian bridges and installation of speed bumps in student-populated areas along truck routes.
NAPS explained that it had initially sought dialogue but decided to embark on peaceful protests to press for stronger commitments to road safety. The association hopes that the protests will prompt the authorities to take concrete actions to address the concerns of students and the general public.
