UNIJOS Bus in Collision at Kwanan Randa; Dozens Injured

PANKSHIN — A high-impact collision between a University of Jos (UNIJOS) institutional bus and a commercial Sharon vehicle has left several passengers with severe injuries along the Pankshin-Shendam road. The accident occurred on Thursday morning, February 19, 2026, at the notorious Kwanan Randa sharp bend in Jibam, Pankshin Local Government Area. Eyewitnesses report that the 18-seater UNIJOS bus, clearly marked with the Nigerian Universities Games Association (NUGA) insignia, was ferrying passengers to Dabat in Qua’anpan for a funeral rite. Consequently, the impact of the head-on crash reduced both vehicles to mangled wreckage, sparking an emotional rescue operation by community volunteers and first responders.

First responders at the scene described the aftermath as chaotic, with victims trapped within the twisted metal of the academic shuttle. Fortunately, no fatalities were confirmed at the point of rescue, though nearly every occupant sustained injuries ranging from deep lacerations to suspected fractures. Furthermore, the crash triggered a massive traffic gridlock, effectively paralyzing the busy southern corridor for several hours. While it is true that villagers provided the initial emergency response, the injured were later stabilized and moved to a nearby medical facility. Indeed, some victims have already been referred to the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) for specialized orthopedic care.

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has admitted that its closest units are stationed far from the accident site in Mangu and Shendam. Public Education Officer Peter Longsan confirmed that while his men reached the scene late, preliminary reports verify the involvement of the University-owned asset. In a related development, the university management is yet to release an official statement regarding the identities of the staff or students on board. Granted, the Kwanan Randa bend is a known “black spot” characterized by steep gradients and poor visibility. Notably, community leaders have long called for the installation of speed breakers and reflective signage to mitigate the recurring carnage at this specific junction.

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Significantly, the “NUGA bus” serves as a vital logistics tool for the university, often repurposed for community social engagements like the funeral trip in question. Above all, the accident underscores the persistent risks associated with inter-city travel on Plateau’s mountainous terrain. Subsequently, the FRSC has reiterated its warning to motorists to exercise extreme caution when navigating the state’s winding bypasses. Although the wreckage has been cleared to restore traffic flow, the psychological trauma for the survivors remains profound.

Finally, the focus shifts to the clinical stability of the injured and the impending mechanical investigation into the cause of the brake or steering failure. Therefore, the University of Jos management must now reconcile its logistics protocols with the safety demands of long-distance rural travel. As a result of this collision, the debate over road safety at Kwanan Randa has returned to the forefront of state discourse.