The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) expresses deep sorrow over a wholly avoidable but fatal vehicular incident which occurred during the weekend at Origan, Oko-Afo, situated along the Badagry Expressway corridor of Lagos State.
The grievous accident involved a commercial tricycle bearing registration number MUS 716 QM and a Mercedes-Benz 4MATIC Sports Utility Vehicle with the customized license plate “OSUNFNKE.”
Preliminary intelligence gathered from the scene indicates that the SUV operator was driving in contravention of established traffic protocols—willfully navigating against the legally designated flow of traffic, colloquially known as “One-Way”—from Ile-Epo towards Oko-Afo. This gross infraction culminated in a devastating head-on collision with the oncoming tricycle.
The impact was fatal. The tricycle operator sustained multiple traumatic injuries, including a critical knee dislocation, and was confirmed dead at the scene. In a shocking act of cowardice and moral negligence, the SUV driver fled the scene immediately, abandoning both his vehicle and the lifeless body of his victim.
LASTMA operatives arrived swiftly at the location, demonstrating professionalism in securing the scene and escalating the matter to the Morogbo Division of the Nigeria Police Force. Officers from the said division promptly took control of the area, while personnel from the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), also present conveyed the deceased's remains to the mortuary at the General Hospital in Badagry for formal processing.
To restore normalcy and ease traffic gridlock, the extensively damaged tricycle and the SUV were towed from the roadway by LASTMA personnel and duly transferred to the custody of the Nigeria Police for further forensic investigation and possible criminal prosecution.
The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, vehemently condemned the tragic episode, describing the driver's actions as a blatant affront to public safety and an egregious violation of the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law of 2018.
“This lamentable loss of life is an unfortunate testament to the deadly ramifications of impunity on our roads,” Mr. Bakare-Oki stated. “It is profoundly disheartening that, despite persistent enlightenment campaigns, extensive road safety sensitization, and continuous enforcement initiatives, some individuals still choose to operate with reckless abandon and utter disregard for lawful conduct.”
He reaffirmed LASTMA’s resolute mandate to promote road safety through a strategic blend of proactive traffic management, civic responsibility education, and zero tolerance for infractions.
“This tragedy could have been averted if the erring driver had complied with directional signage and traffic regulations. We earnestly implore all motorists to conduct themselves responsibly, as every life lost on our roads is one too many,” he added.
The General Manager extended heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased tricycle operator, praying that the Almighty grant them solace and the fortitude to endure the irreplaceable loss.
LASTMA further admonishes all motorists to revere the sanctity of life and desist from any traffic behavior—particularly one-way driving—that imperils fellow road users and undermines public order.
Adebayo Taofiq
Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA.
No comments:
Post a Comment