ABIODUN CONDEMNS RECKLESS TRUCK DRIVING AFTER FATAL OTA TOLL GATE CRASH CLAIMS SEVEN LIVES
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By Aishat Momoh. O.
The Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, has condemned what he described as the reckless driving habits of some truck operators along the Sango–Ota corridor, following a fatal accident at the Ota Toll Gate that claimed seven lives.
The crash, which occurred around 8 a.m. on Tuesday at the Old Toll Gate along the Lagos–Abeokuta Expressway, involved an articulated tanker with registration number EKY 913 YH and two other vehicles. The tanker, reportedly carrying vegetable oil, was said to have suffered brake failure before the driver lost control and rammed into bystanders and other vehicles.
According to the spokesperson of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Afolabi Odunsi-Oyewole, six adults — five men and one woman — were confirmed dead at the scene, while two others sustained varying degrees of injuries.
However, the state government indicated that a total of seven persons — six men and one woman — lost their lives in the incident, with two other victims currently receiving medical attention. In all, nine persons were reportedly involved.
In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, Governor Abiodun described the tragedy as painful and unacceptable, stressing that the loss of innocent lives due to preventable negligence was one too many.
“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,” the governor said.
He called 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 the busy corridor.
Abiodun also extended his condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for strength and comfort for them during the 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 officials, receiving briefings from security operatives coordinating rescue efforts.
The chairman expressed sorrow over the tragedy and emphasised the need for strict adherence to traffic regulations. He also cautioned against roadside trading and other risky activities that expose residents and commuters to danger, assuring that the council would collaborate with relevant agencies to strengthen safety compliance in the area.
The injured victims were evacuated to Ota General Hospital for treatment, while the remains of the deceased were deposited at the Ifo General Hospital morgue.
The Sector Commander of the FRSC, Corps Commander Akinwunmi Fasakin, urged motorists — particularly drivers of articulated vehicles — to ensure thorough mechanical checks before embarking on journeys, reaffirming the corps’ commitment to safeguarding lives and property.
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