The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has expressed deep sorrow over a wholly avoidable but fatal vehicular accident at Origan, Oko-Afo, along the Badagry Expressway, Lagos State.

In a press statement issued by Adebayo Taofiq, Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, the accident involved a commercial tricycle bearing registration number MUS 716 QM and a Mercedes-Benz 4MATIC Sports Utility Vehicle with the customized license plate “OSUNFNKE.”

LASTMA preliminary intelligence gathered from the scene indicates that the SUV driver was driving against the traffic, willfully known as “One-Way” from Ile-Epo towards Oko-Afo, which led to a devastating head-on collision with the oncoming tricycle.

The impact was fatal as the tricycle operator sustained multiple injuries and knee dislocation and was confirmed dead at the scene; the SUV driver fled the scene immediately, abandoning both his vehicle and the lifeless body of his victim.

LASTMA operatives arrived swiftly at the location, displayed professionalism and escalated the matter to the Morogbo Division of the Nigeria Police Force. While personnel from the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) conveyed the deceased's remains to the mortuary at the General Hospital in Badagry. 

LASTMA personnel towed the damaged tricycle and the SUV away from the road to restore normalcy and ease traffic gridlock and transferred to the custody of the Morogbo Division of the Nigeria Police Force for further investigation and prosecution.

Speaking on the accident, the General Manager of LASTMA, Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki, condemned the tragic incident and described the driver's actions as a blatant affront to public safety and an egregious violation of the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law of 2018.

“This lamentable loss of life is an unfortunate testament to the deadly ramifications of impunity on our roads,” Mr Bakare-Oki stated. “It is profoundly disheartening that, despite persistent enlightenment campaigns, extensive road safety sensitization, and continuous enforcement initiatives, some individuals still choose to operate with reckless abandon and utter disregard for lawful conduct.”

He reaffirmed LASTMA’s resolute mandate to promote road safety through a strategic blend of proactive traffic management, civic responsibility education, and zero tolerance for infractions.

“This tragedy could have been averted if the erring driver had complied with directional signage and traffic regulations. We earnestly implore all motorists to conduct themselves responsibly, as every life lost on our roads is one too many,” he added.

The General Manager extended heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased tricycle operator, praying that the Almighty grant them solace and the fortitude to endure the irreplaceable loss.

LASTMA further admonishes all motorists to revere the sanctity of life and desist from any traffic behaviour—particularly one-way driving—that imperils fellow road users and undermines public order.