One-Way SUV Driver Kills Tricycle Operator, Flees Scene
There was tension involving a commercial tricycle and a Mercedes-Benz SUV claimed the life of a tricycle operator over the weekend along the Badagry Expressway corridor in Lagos State.
The incident occurred at Origan, Oko-Afo, where the SUV, bearing a customised plate number “OSUNFNKE,” reportedly drove against traffic—commonly referred to as “one-way”—from Ile-Epo towards Oko-Afo before colliding head-on with the tricycle with registration number MUS 716 QM.
According to a statement issued by Adebayo Taofiq, Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment at the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), on Sunday, the tricycle operator sustained severe injuries, including a dislocated knee, and died at the scene.
Eyewitnesses and officials said the driver of the SUV fled immediately after the crash, abandoning both the vehicle and the deceased victim.
LASTMA operatives were quickly dispatched to the scene and coordinated with officers from the Morogbo Division of the Nigeria Police Force and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).
The victim’s body was evacuated to the General Hospital in Badagry, and both vehicles were towed and handed over to police authorities for further investigation and potential prosecution.
The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, condemned the driver’s actions, describing them as a “blatant affront to public safety” and a 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,” he said. “It is profoundly disheartening that, despite persistent enlightenment campaigns, extensive road safety sensitisation, and continuous enforcement initiatives, some individuals still choose to operate with reckless abandon and utter disregard for lawful conduct.”
“This tragedy could have been averted if the erring driver had complied with directional signage and traffic regulations,” he added.
He urged motorists to respect traffic rules, especially by avoiding one-way driving, and emphasised LASTMA’s commitment to enforcing road safety regulations across Lagos.
Bakare-Oki extended condolences to the family of the deceased tricycle operator, praying for comfort and strength in the face of the tragic loss.
LASTMA reiterated its call for responsible driving, warning that any conduct that endangers road users and public safety would not be tolerated.
