UNILORIN bus driver conveying students to school slumps, dies on wheel

A commercial bus driver who operated on the route to the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) tragically collapsed at the wheel on Friday while transporting passengers to the school. The driver, identified as Lukman, was subsequently pronounced dead at the institution’s clinic.

The sudden and tragic incident left the occupants of the vehicle in a state of shock. One passenger, who witnessed the event, recounted in a widely circulated WhatsApp message that he had to take control of the bus to ensure the safety of himself, other students, and prevent a larger disaster.

He narrated, "Our bus driver passed away while driving us from Sanrab to UNILORIN. I was seated in the front engrossed in reading the Qur’an on my phone, not paying attention to my surroundings. The person next to me suddenly called my attention, urgently shouting Baba several times."

"When I looked up, I saw the driver gasping for breath as the bus veered off course. Acting swiftly, I applied the brakes, took control of the vehicle, and brought it to a stop. Unfortunately, despite efforts to save him, he was pronounced dead upon arrival at the school clinic. All of this transpired within a span of 30 minutes."

Sulyman Malik, a colleague of the deceased driver, also confirmed the tragic incident. He reflected on the fleeting nature of life, expressing sorrow over the untimely loss. "He had greeted me just the day before about my recent accident. This serves as a stark reminder of life's transience. He has been laid to rest in accordance with Islamic customs. Despite his youthful appearance, his passing reminds us of life's unpredictability."