CITIZENS COMPASS —The Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences (Enforcement) Unit (Taskforce) and Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) have distanced themselves in the accident that led to the death of two street sweepers in Gbagada axis area of Lagos State on Monday, November 13, 2023.

Lagos Taskforce and the state Ministry of Transportation said they were not responsible for the fatal accident as speculated in some quarters. 

Both agencies disclosed this yesterday, during their visits to the scene of the incident. 

Citizens Compass had reported that two street sweepers from Lagos State Waste Management Agency (LAWMA), were yesterday, crushed to death by a fleeing motorist. 

The incident occurred at Charley Boy area inward Oworonshoki. 

The incident sparked protests in the area as the protesters blocked the expressway thereby obstructing free flow of traffic for hours. 

After visiting the scene of the accident, the agencies in a statement signed by Gbadeyan Abdulraheem, Spokesperson of the Taskforce and Sola Giwa, Special Adviser on Transportation to the Governor of Lagos State urged members of the public to disregard any statement crediting the accident to them. 

According to Gbadeyan, “The Lagos State Taskforce has debunked the news making rounds that the Agency is involved in the car chase which led to an accident and tragic death of two LAWMA officials at Gbagada axis this morning. 

” The Chairman of the Agency, CSP Shola Jejeloye disclosed this today at the Agency Headquarters that there is no iota of truth in that report.  Speaking at the scene of the incident where members of the public had gathered to vent their anger and displeasure towards the unfortunate incident which involved yet to be identified traffic enforcement officials (not Lagos State Environmental Taskforce officials) in a car chase of a suspected traffic offender along Gbagada axis, resulting in the knocking down of two LAWMA officials carrying out their duties by the Roadside. 

“It is a very sad and most importantly avoidable incident today that has led to loss of lives. For us as an Agency, we have a very firm believe that traffic offense is not a criminal offense, therefore it is better for a traffic offender to escape from the scene of the offense than to create a madness on the road that could lead to loss of life”. 

“Jejeloye disclosed that none of the Taskforce officials were posted  out on Wednesday, for any traffic enforcement, rather, they were deployed to Ile-Zik, Dopemu and Ikeja to maintain law and order during the NURTW protest. So there is no way they could have been involved as widely speculated. The vehicle and occupants involved in the chase were clearly not in Taskforce uniform.

“The officials involved in this devastating incident will be fished out, arrested and will be made to answer for their crimes. The suspected motorist who evaded arrest and knocked down these two innocent workers will also be trailed and prosecuted. In this era of social media, there is no hiding place for any criminal”.

“Jejeloye admonished Lagosians to maintain calmness and serenity and allow the law take its full course. He assured that justice will be adequately served and no stone will be left unturned till all parties involved in the heinous crime are prosecuted.

“I strongly hope this serves as a deterrent to any overzealous officer who sidelines the safety and security of Lagosians who we have sworn to protect. Anyone caught jeaopareizing the safety and security of Lagosians all in the name of apprehending a traffic offender will be severely dealt with.”

The Chairman urged all Lagosians to adhere to all traffic rules and regulations put in place by the State Government to help sustain sanity on our roads. Traffic rules have been put in place to ensure that we spend less time on our roads and to bring accidents occurrence down to the barest minimum. 

According to Giwa, “The attention of the  Lagos State Ministry of Transportation (MOT) has been drawn to the above captioned story circulating on social media alledging that Lasma personnel were responsible for a fatal incident that claimed the lives of two LAWMA Street Sweepers today around Charlie Boy at  Gbagada inward Oworonsoki, Lagos.

Adebayo in its statement said, “The Ministry of Transportation wishes to express its profound condolences to the management of Lawma and families of the deceased, and prayed for the repose of the departed souls.

” Information gathered, revealed that the driver of an Honda Saloon Car with registration number EPE 984 DV rammed into the innocent sweepers while they were discharging their duties along Gbagada Expressway this morning.

” Immediate investigation revealed that no LASTMA personnel was involved in the unfortunate incident.

In addition, it was confirmed that Policemen from Pedro Police Station had recovered the accidented vehicle into their custody to aid further and thorough investigation on the incident in order to unravel the real cause.

“The Ministry of Transportation wants to assure members of the public that the outcome of the Police investigation would be made public and anyone found culpable would be made to face the consequence of the Law.

” The Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation however, appealed to members of the public to remain calm and motorists to always drive with caution on Lagos roads and highways.