CITIZENS COMPASS– A commercial motorcyclist popularly known as Okada rider has tragically lost his life when he rammed into an articulated truck in Sabo, Ikorodu, Lagos State.
The accident occurred in the early hours of Sunday.
The rider was reportedly riding at high speed when he rammed into the truck.
Spokesperson, Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Adebayo Taofik, confirmed the accident in his update.
According to him, “The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) deeply regrets reporting a grievous lone road traffic fatality which transpired in the early hours of today along the Sabo Onimalu corridor, inward Itamaga, in the Ikorodu axis of Lagos State. The harrowing incident involved a commercial motorcyclist who, while reportedly navigating at an uncontrollably high velocity, tragically collided with a fully loaded articulated truck transporting flour.
“Preliminary findings from an immediate on-site investigation suggest that the motorcyclist suffered a sudden and catastrophic brake malfunction, rendering him incapable of regaining vehicular control. As a result, he forcefully rammed into the rear of the moving trailer, culminating in instantaneous fatality.
“LASTMA Officers, who arrived promptly as the first emergency responders, took swift and decisive action to manage the ensuing chaos and secure the accident scene.
“During this intervention, it was discovered that the driver of the articulated vehicle had fled the location in a bid to evade responsibility. Demonstrating commendable professionalism and presence of mind, LASTMA personnel embarked on a rapid pursuit, successfully apprehending the absconding driver.
LASTMA personnel immediately transferred the arrested driver to the operatives of the Nigeria Police Force attached to the Shagamu Road Division, Ikorodu, for further investigation and potential prosecution under the relevant traffic and criminal statutes.
“The mangled remains of the deceased motorcyclist were tragically found trapped beneath the truck. With clinical precision and due sensitivity, LASTMA officials extricated and evacuated the corpse. The body was thereafter handed over to members of his family who rushed to the accident scene after receiving phone calls from his other motorcyclists.
“In a solemn response to the tragic event, the General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, conveyed his profound condolences to the family of the deceased. He invoked divine comfort and strength for them in this moment of irrevocable loss and emphasized the importance of heightened vigilance on the part of road users.
“Mr. Bakare-Oki further used the occasion to deliver a firm appeal to the leadership of commercial motorcycle operators’ unions across the State. He urged them to intensify sensitization campaigns among their members, emphasizing the imperatives of vehicular integrity, adherence to safety protocols, and unwavering compliance with traffic regulations.
“He reiterated the Lagos State Government’s policy on the restricted movement of commercial motorcycles along some corridors, highways and bridges, urging total conformity in the overriding interest of public safety and order.
“It is of utmost urgency that operators of commercial motorcycles assume greater responsibility by subjecting their bikes to routine mechanical checks—especially essential components such as brakes. The loss of life resulting from such preventable mechanical failures is both regrettable and unacceptable,” Mr. Bakare-Oki stated with gravity.
“In conclusion, the General Manager enjoined the general public, particularly road users, to remain collaborative with LASTMA by reporting all traffic-related emergencies, infractions, or instances of personnel misbehavior via the Authority’s dedicated toll-free hotline: 0810000527862.
“The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority reaffirms its unyielding commitment to the preservation of lives and the promotion of orderly conduct across the metropolis. Road users are urged to imbibe a culture of caution, respect for traffic laws, and civic responsibility at all times.”
