Six people lost their lives in Tuesday’s tragedy at the Ota toll gate, and Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State has ordered a swift investigation into the incident.
Ten people were killed in the tragedy that happened at around 9:32 in the morning, according to the Gistcon.
An EKY 913YH Mack truck, SMK16YK Suzuki mini bus, and AAA 840QM TVS tricycle were all involved. The vehicle had a white cab and green body.
The truck driver was going at a high pace and was being irresponsible when he crashed into many vehicles, including a tricycle and people, according to a statement from Salau H.O., Divisional TRACE Command, Ota.
He said the truck driver ran away as rescuers took the wounded to the State Hospital in Ota and the bodies to the State mortuary in Ifo.
In response, Governor Abiodun slammed truck drivers for their carelessness and issued an order that anybody found guilty would face the full force of the law.
He acknowledged the loss to the families affected by the tragedy and asked God to give them strength and comfort as they navigated this terrible time. He characterised the incident as upsetting and unacceptable.
For the sake of the busy corridor’s safety, he urged the Nigerian police, the Federal Road Safety Corps, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and the Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps to be on high alert and enforce traffic laws more strictly.
A related issue is that, soon after the tragedy, top local government officials, including Lawal Adewale Wasiu, the Executive Chairman of Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government, and himself went to the area to hear updates from security personnel who were coordinating rescue and control operations.
Reiterating the need of strictly adhering to traffic restrictions, the chairman conveyed profound regret over the incident.
In addition, he warned against dangerous activities like roadside selling that put commuters and residents at risk and promised that the council will work closely with the appropriate organisations to increase safety compliance along the axis.