Pregnant Woman, 5 Final-Year Nursing Students Die in Ilorin‑Ogbomoso Road Crash

At least six people, including a pregnant woman and five final-year nursing students, tragically lost their lives in a fatal road accident along the Ilorin‑Ogbomoso highway in the Ote area of Kwara State. The incident occurred on Monday, February 24, 2026, sending shockwaves across their families, classmates, and the wider community.

The victims, all 500-level undergraduates enrolled in the Open and Distance Learning Bachelor of Nursing Science programme at a tertiary institution in Oyo State, were reportedly travelling to Ogbomoso to sit for their second semester examinations when the crash occurred. Several of the victims were pronounced dead at the scene, while others later succumbed to their injuries at a nearby hospital. Among them was a heavily pregnant student, heightening the grief and tragedy surrounding the incident.

Confirming the accident, Mrs. Rosemary Alo, the Kwara State Commandant of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), said the crash happened on the Kwara side of the Ilorin‑Ogbomoso road in the Ote area. She added that FRSC personnel are working alongside the Kwara State Command to restore normal traffic flow and manage the aftermath.

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Eyewitnesses and reports indicate that while emergency responders arrived promptly, further details on the cause of the crash—including whether road conditions, speed, or vehicle fault contributed—are yet to be released. The victims’ bodies have been taken to a mortuary, and families await formal notification and directives for burial arrangements.

The tragedy has left the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) community and the wider public in mourning. Colleagues and classmates described the deaths as heartbreaking, particularly as the students were on the verge of completing their academic journey. This incident has reignited concerns about road safety on major Nigerian highways, especially for students and long-distance travellers.

Authorities, road safety advocates, and community leaders have called for urgent measures to prevent similar tragedies, including stricter traffic enforcement, improved vehicle inspections, and enhanced highway infrastructure. The loss of these promising young nursing students and a pregnant woman highlights the ongoing challenges of road safety in Nigeria.

Pregnant Woman, 5 Final-Year Nursing Students Die in Ilorin‑Ogbomoso Road Crash

Sheikh Gumi Warns Against Airstrikes on Bandits, Backs Forest Security Service

Islamic cleric Ahmad Abubakar Mahmud Gumi has issued a stern warning to Nigerian security agencies against the use of airstrikes and aerial bombardment in the fight against banditry and forest-based criminal gangs, highlighting the risk to innocent civilians and local communities. His comments came during a Ramadan Tafsir on Tuesday night in Kaduna, where he also expressed support for the proposed Nigerian Forest Security Service (NFSS), a specialised force designed to tackle criminals hiding in forests.

Gumi explained that many civilians live in or around forest communities where bandits operate, making air campaigns highly dangerous. He emphasised that while tackling banditry requires firm and coordinated action, operations must avoid harming non-combatants. Protecting civilians, he said, should remain a top priority in all security efforts.

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The cleric referred to the Tudun Biri incident in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State, where a mistaken airstrike reportedly killed over 100 residents. Gumi described the tragedy as a painful reminder of the dangers of bombing forest zones, arguing that such tactics could worsen insecurity and fuel resentment among affected communities.

Despite his concerns about aerial attacks, Gumi urged that the NFSS must still use decisive force against bandit groups, acknowledging that criminals have become increasingly violent, organised, and sophisticated. He warned that external influences are strengthening these gangs, and if unchecked, they could evolve into terrorist organisations.

The cleric called for security strategies that would flush criminals out of forest hideouts without endangering nearby communities, emphasising the importance of precision ground operations, intelligence-led tactics, and community protection measures. He also renewed his call for dialogue and non-military approaches, insisting that sustainable peace cannot be achieved through force alone and that addressing root causes like poverty, unemployment, and marginalisation is essential.

Gumi’s remarks have intensified discussions about Nigeria’s approach to banditry, highlighting the delicate balance between military operations and civilian protection. Analysts say his position underscores the need for a comprehensive security strategy that combines enforcement with community engagement to achieve long-term stability in the Northwest and other affected regions.

Sheikh Gumi Warns Against Airstrikes on Bandits, Backs Forest Security Service

Osogbo Youths Confer Award of Excellence on Federal Polytechnic Offa Rector, Dr. Kadiri Kamoru

Osogbo United Youth Forum has conferred a Meritorious Award of Excellence on Kadiri Kamoru Oluwatoyin, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to youth empowerment, education and community development in Osogbo.

The award ceremony, held on February 24, 2026, celebrated Dr. Kadiri’s years of selfless service, philanthropic interventions and unwavering commitment to the social and economic upliftment of Osogbo indigenes.

Speaking at the event, the Interim General Secretary of the forum, Adeagbo Suraj Ademola, delivered a keynote address on behalf of the Interim President, Ayoola Mutiu, who was absent due to other official engagements. He highlighted several empowerment initiatives undertaken by Dr. Kadiri even before his appointment as Rector of Federal Polytechnic Offa.

According to him, the honouree has consistently sponsored the purchase of JAMB, WAEC and NECO forms for indigent Osogbo indigenes and awarded full scholarships to students across various higher institutions in Nigeria. He also noted Dr. Kadiri’s annual sponsorship of vulnerable indigenes for Umrah and Hajj, describing the gesture as a reflection of his commitment to both educational advancement and spiritual well-being.

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Comrade Adeagbo further appealed to Dr. Kadiri to use his strategic position to facilitate more employment opportunities for Osogbo youths, particularly within the Federal Polytechnic Offa and other relevant agencies nationwide. While acknowledging the Rector’s strong track record in human capital development, he urged him to sustain and expand his interventions.

Responding, Dr. Kadiri expressed deep appreciation to the Osogbo United Youth Forum for the honour. He reaffirmed his commitment to community service and youth development, commending Comrade Adeagbo for his passion and dedication to Osogbo’s progress. He also encouraged principal officers of the Polytechnic present at the event to emulate the culture of generosity and service, describing the youth leader as a cheerful giver.

The Deputy Rector (Administration), Aromole, alongside Deans, Directors, Deputy Registrars and other dignitaries, outlined major developmental milestones recorded under Dr. Kadiri’s leadership over the past three years. They described his tenure as unprecedented, citing achievements such as the establishment of the Polytechnic’s bread industry, bottled and sachet water factories, construction of motorable internal roads, renovation of lecture theatres, and accreditation of nearly 90 academic programmes.

Other notable achievements include the successful hosting of the NIPOGA Games and securing hosting rights for the 2027 edition, strategic partnerships with 27 local and international agencies, and the cultivation of 450 hectares of farmland along Ojoku Road in collaboration with National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA).

Dr. Aromole and other staff members also pledged institutional support for future initiatives of the Osogbo United Youth Forum, including the donation of UTME forms for indigent Osogbo youths starting next year.

The ceremony concluded with prayers, as participants described Dr. Kadiri as a pride of Osogbo, a transformational leader, and a role model whose impact continues to resonate across education, youth empowerment and community development.

Osogbo Youths Confer Award of Excellence on Federal Polytechnic Offa Rector, Dr. Kadiri Kamoru