The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has reported the tragic death of a tricycle operator after a head-on collision with a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) driving against traffic along the Badagry Expressway.
According to a statement released on Sunday by LASTMA’s Director of Public Affairs, Mr. Taofiq Adebayo, the incident occurred at Origan, Oko-Afo. The SUV, a Mercedes-Benz 4MATIC with the custom registration “OSUNFNKE,” collided with a commercial tricycle bearing plate number MUS 716 QM.
LASTMA General Manager, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, explained that preliminary investigations revealed the SUV was driving against traffic from Ile-Epo towards Oko-Afo—a serious violation known locally as “one-way” driving.
The reckless maneuver resulted in a fatal crash, leaving the tricycle operator with critical injuries, including a dislocated knee. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
In a disturbing turn of events, the SUV driver abandoned both the vehicle and the victim’s body before fleeing.
LASTMA officials swiftly secured the area and alerted the Nigeria Police Force at the Morogbo Division. Officers from the division took over the case, while the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) transported the deceased to the Badagry General Hospital mortuary.
The damaged vehicles were cleared from the road and handed over to the police for further investigation and potential prosecution.
Condemning the hit-and-run, Bakare-Oki described the incident as a “grave threat to public safety” and a stark reminder of the deadly consequences of disregarding traffic laws.
“This tragic loss of life could have been avoided had the driver obeyed traffic regulations,” he said. “It is disheartening that despite continuous public education and enforcement, some motorists still endanger lives through reckless behavior.”
He reiterated LASTMA’s commitment to promoting road safety through robust traffic control, awareness campaigns, and strict enforcement of traffic regulations.
Bakare-Oki extended heartfelt condolences to the victim’s family and urged all motorists to act responsibly, stressing that “even one preventable death is one too many.”
LASTMA once again called on the public to respect traffic rules, especially by avoiding illegal acts like driving against traffic, which pose severe risks to public safety.
