The Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has condemned the reckless driving habits of some truck operators plying the Sango–Ota corridor following a fatal accident at the Ota Toll Gate area that claimed seven lives.
The crash, which involved a trailer tanker reportedly affected by brake failure, resulted in the deaths of six men and one woman.
Two other victims — a male and a female — sustained critical injuries and are currently receiving medical attention. In total, nine persons were involved in the incident.
Describing the development as painful and unacceptable, the governor, in a statement on Tuesday signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, said “the loss of innocent lives due to preventable negligence is one too many.”
He extended his condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for strength and comfort for them during the difficult period.
Abiodun said, “In view of this avoidable and painful accident, I have directed an immediate investigation into the circumstances surrounding it, and anyone found culpable must face the full weight of the law.
“There is also the need for heightened vigilance and stricter traffic enforcement by the Nigeria Police Force, the Federal Road Safety Corps, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and the Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps to prevent a recurrence along this busy corridor.
“I sincerely extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and pray for strength and comfort for them during this difficult period.”
In a related development, the Executive Chairman of Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government, Lawal Adewale Wasiu, visited the scene shortly after the incident alongside key local government officials, where he received briefings from security operatives coordinating rescue and control efforts.
The chairman expressed sorrow over the tragedy and reiterated the need for strict adherence to traffic regulations.
He also cautioned against roadside trading and other risky activities that expose residents and commuters to avoidable danger, assuring that the council would collaborate with relevant agencies to strengthen safety compliance within the axis.
The Ogun State Government reaffirmed its resolve to intensify road safety enforcement and protect lives and property across the state.
The multiple crash, which occurred around 8am at the Old Toll Gate, Ota, along the Lagos–Abeokuta Expressway on Tuesday, reportedly led to the death of six persons, leaving two others injured.
The crash involved an articulated vehicle with registration number EKY 913 YH and two other vehicles.
The articulated vehicle, a tanker carrying vegetable oil, reportedly suffered brake failure, after which the driver lost control and rammed into people standing by, killing six and injuring two others.
The spokesperson for the Ogun State Sector Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Afolabi Odunsi-Oyewole, disclosed this in a statement sent to journalists on Tuesday.
Odunsi-Oyewole said, “A tragic road traffic crash occurred today at approximately 08:00hrs at the Old Toll Gate, Ota. The incident resulted in the deaths of six individuals and injuries to two others.
“The crash involved an articulated vehicle (vegetable oil tanker) with registration number EKY 913 YH and two other vehicles.
“Preliminary investigations indicate that the articulated vehicle suffered mechanical brake failure while navigating the busy toll gate area.
“The driver subsequently lost control and rammed into the other vehicles and bystanders. Six adults were confirmed dead (five males and one female). Two other persons sustained varying degrees of injuries.
“FRSC rescue teams promptly evacuated all victims to Ota General Hospital. The injured survivors are currently undergoing treatment, while the remains of the deceased have been deposited at the Ifo General Hospital morgue.”
The Sector Commander, Corps Commander Akinwunmi Fasakin, urged motorists, particularly drivers of articulated vehicles, to ensure their vehicles undergo thorough mechanical checks before embarking on any journey, adding that the corps remains committed to safeguarding lives and property.