Picnews
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority has expressed deep regret over a fatal road accident that occurred along Motorways inward Estate in Alapere, Lagos, resulting in the tragic death of a dispatch rider identified as “AOC.”
Preliminary reports indicate that the driver of an empty ‘NIPCO’ tanker (TTN-776ZQ), allegedly speeding along the Estate axis of Alapere, crashed into the moving rider. The severe impact led to the rider’s immediate death, leaving the area in shock and mourning.
In the immediate aftermath, officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority responded swiftly and professionally, arriving promptly at the scene. Their timely intervention helped prevent a potential breakdown of law and order, as a group of aggrieved dispatch riders had gathered and attempted to attack the tanker driver.
Maintaining calm and exercising tactical restraint, LASTMA personnel successfully rescued the driver from the hostile crowd. He was subsequently handed over to officials of the Lagos State Ambulance Service, who transported him to a nearby hospital for urgent medical care after he sustained serious injuries.
In a bid to restore order and strengthen security at the scene, operatives of the Nigeria Police Force from the Alausa Division were promptly deployed. Their swift presence helped disperse the agitated crowd and prevented further escalation of violence.
The General Manager of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, expressed deep condolences to the family of the deceased dispatch rider, praying for strength and fortitude for them to bear the painful loss.
He also issued a stern warning to tanker drivers and all motorists to exercise extreme caution on the roads and strictly comply with speed limits and traffic regulations. He stressed that reckless driving and overspeeding remain leading causes of preventable road accidents in the state.
Bakare-Oki emphasized that the incident underscores the urgent need for greater vigilance and a renewed commitment to road safety, noting that every road user has a duty to protect lives through responsible behaviour.
He stated, “This unfortunate incident highlights the need for increased awareness and collective responsibility on our roads. Every road user must act responsibly to safeguard human life.”
Following the incident, LASTMA officials handed over the empty tanker and the wreckage of the motorcycle to the police, after which the matter was transferred to the appropriate authorities for full investigation and possible prosecution.
Adebayo Taofiq
Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department, LASTMA
