Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has criticised the dangerous driving practices of certain truck operators along the Sango–Ota route after a fatal accident at the Ota Toll Gate claimed seven lives.
The incident involved a trailer tanker said to have experienced brake failure. Six men and one woman lost their lives in the crash, while two others a male and a female sustained serious injuries and are receiving treatment. Altogether, nine individuals were affected.
Reacting to the tragedy, the governor described it as deeply distressing and unacceptable. In a statement issued on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, he said “the loss of innocent lives due to preventable negligence is one too many.”
He expressed sympathy to the grieving families and prayed for strength and comfort for them during this trying time.
Abiodun further stated, “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 move, the Executive Chairman of Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government, Lawal Adewale Wasiu, visited the crash site shortly after the incident alongside senior local officials. He received updates from security agencies managing rescue and traffic control operations.
The chairman conveyed his sadness over the event and emphasised the importance of obeying traffic regulations. He also warned against roadside trading and other hazardous activities that put residents and road users at risk, assuring that the local council would work closely with relevant agencies to enhance safety measures in the area.
The Ogun State Government reiterated its commitment to strengthening road safety enforcement to safeguard lives and property across the state.
The multiple-vehicle collision occurred around 8 a.m. on Tuesday at the Old Toll Gate, Ota, along the Lagos–Abeokuta Expressway. It involved an articulated vehicle bearing registration number EKY 913 YH and two other vehicles.
The tanker, reportedly transporting vegetable oil, allegedly suffered brake failure, causing the driver to lose control and crash into bystanders, leading to six deaths and two injuries.
The spokesperson for the Ogun State Sector Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Afolabi Odunsi-Oyewole, confirmed the incident in a statement to journalists.
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, advised motorists especially drivers of heavy-duty vehicles to carry out proper mechanical inspections before embarking on trips. He reaffirmed the corps’ dedication to protecting lives and property.
