A fatal road accident over the weekend at Origan, Oko-Afo, along the Badagry Expressway, has claimed the life of a commercial tricycle operator following a head-on collision with a vehicle allegedly driving against traffic.
The crash, which has drawn widespread condemnation, involved a Mercedes-Benz 4MATIC SUV bearing the customized plate number “OSUNFNKE” and a commercial tricycle with registration number MUS 716 QM.
Preliminary investigations by the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) revealed that the SUV was driving against the designated flow of traffic — a “one-way” violation — from Ile-Epo towards Oko-Afo when it collided with the oncoming tricycle.
The impact of the collision was fatal, as the tricycle operator sustained multiple injuries and was confirmed dead at the scene.
Eyewitnesses reported that the SUV driver fled immediately after the crash, abandoning both the vehicle and the victim.
LASTMA officials arrived promptly to manage traffic and secure the accident site, before handing over the case to the Morogbo Division of the Nigeria Police Force for investigation.
Officers of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) also responded and conveyed the deceased to the General Hospital morgue in Badagry.
Both vehicles involved have since been towed and are currently in police custody for forensic analysis and potential legal action.
Condemning the incident, LASTMA General Manager Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki described the driver’s conduct as “a blatant affront to public safety and a gross 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,” he said.
According to him, “It is profoundly disheartening that, despite persistent enlightenment campaigns and rigorous enforcement efforts, some motorists continue to show reckless disregard for traffic regulations.”
Bakare-Oki reiterated LASTMA’s commitment to enforcing traffic laws and promoting responsible driving behavior, urging all road users to obey traffic signage and respect the rule of law to prevent avoidable tragedies.
The General Manager extended his condolences to the bereaved family and emphasized the need for motorists to value human life above all else.
LASTMA further warned drivers to desist from dangerous practices, particularly driving against traffic, stressing that the agency would not relent in applying strict penalties to traffic law violators.