Tragedy struck in Ogun State on Wednesday as two separate auto accidents claimed the lives of pedestrians on the Lagos-Ibadan Motorway and the Ijebu-Ode expressway. The incidents, confirmed by the Ogun State Police Command, have reignited concerns about pedestrian safety and road caution in the state.
Ijebu-Ode Accident: Pedestrian Struck by Truck
The first incident occurred along Rev. Adeboye Road in Ijebu-Igbo at approximately 7:50 pm. A 45-year-old pedestrian, Ojo Talabi, was fatally struck by a Nissan Cabstar truck with registration number APP 787 YH. The truck, driven by 35-year-old Rafi Babatunde, was carrying a load of plastic water bottles when it hit Talabi as he attempted to cross the road.
Emergency Response and Investigation
Talabi was rushed to the General Hospital in Ijebu Igbo for medical attention but was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. According to the police spokesperson, Odutola Omolola, the driver of the truck was immediately taken into custody.
“The driver was immediately arrested. A mob attacked the vehicle that killed the pedestrian, damaging it in the process,” Omolola said. “Our men later recovered the vehicle and took it to the police station for safety and inspection by the Vehicle Inspection Officers. The driver remains in custody as investigations continue.”
Lagos-Ibadan Motorway Accident: Pedestrian Killed by Car
The second fatality occurred around 6:00 pm near the Redemption Camp in Mowe on the Lagos-Ibadan Motorway. A Toyota Camry, with registration number EKY 598 JM and driven by 43-year-old Rafi Durodele, struck a male pedestrian who was attempting to cross the road.
Incident Details
The unidentified victim reportedly failed to check for oncoming vehicles before stepping onto the road. He was rushed to Famobis Hospital in Pakuro but succumbed to his injuries shortly after arrival. His body was subsequently transferred to the Patmag Idera Mortuary for an autopsy.
Odutola confirmed that the vehicle involved was secured at the police station for safekeeping and inspection by the Vehicle Inspection Officers. “Investigations into both incidents are currently underway,” she stated.
Police Urge Caution
The Ogun State Police Command has reiterated the importance of pedestrian safety, urging the public to exercise caution and use designated pedestrian crossings wherever available.
“Pedestrians must exercise caution when crossing roads to prevent such tragic incidents. Designated pedestrian crossings and footbridges should be used to ensure safety,” Odutola added.
Recurring Issue of Pedestrian Fatalities
These incidents add to a growing list of road fatalities in Ogun State. In November, a hit-and-run driver fatally struck an unidentified woman on the Lagos-Ibadan Motorway. Shortly after, another female pedestrian was killed along the Ijebu-Ijesha Road in a separate incident.
Conclusion
The recent accidents underscore the urgent need for increased public awareness about road safety and the enforcement of traffic regulations for both drivers and pedestrians. Authorities are continuing investigations into both cases and have urged residents to prioritize safety to prevent further tragedies.
