A second-year student at the University of Maroua, Maïmouna Gombo, of Chadian nationality, died on Monday, April 15, 2024, in a road accident in the city of Maroua, in the Far North region of Cameroon.
Reports indicate that the accident took place at approximately 10:00 AM local time while Gombo was en route from Kousseri to Maroua for the beginning of the new academic semester. The cause of the accident is currently being investigated, with early reports indicating that it may have been a result of a collision between Gombo’s motorbike and a car.
Gombo was quickly taken to the Maroua Regional Hospital, but unfortunately, she was declared deceased upon arrival. The news of her passing has deeply impacted the Chadian community in Maroua and the university campus.
Gombo was an exceptional student who garnered admiration from both her classmates and professors. She was highly engaged in student life and had a reputation for her unwavering commitment to her studies. The university community deeply mourns her unexpected passing.
Many people have taken to social media to offer their sympathies to Gombo’s loved ones and acquaintances. It is not yet clear at the time of this report whether the University of Maroua has issued an official statement or if the university has also offered any assistance to Gombo’s family during this challenging period.
Gombo’s passing serves as an urgent cautionary tale of the perils posed by road accidents, a prevalent cause of fatalities and harm in Cameroon.
At the time of this report, the specific details about the motorbike Gombo was riding have not been disclosed. The identity of the driver involved in the accident has not been disclosed. An investigation is currently underway by the police to establish the cause of the accident and assess the possibility of filing charges.
Given the gravity of this unfortunate incident, it is crucial to emphasise the significance of promoting road safety and encouraging all individuals on the road to exercise vigilance and adhere to traffic regulations.
