Emmanuel ClementÂ
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority has reported a tragic road accident at Motorways inward Estate area of Alapere, Lagos, which claimed the life of a dispatch rider and nearly escalated into mob violence before swift intervention by officials.
Preliminary reports indicate that the driver of an empty ‘NIPCO’ tanker with registration number TTN-776ZQ, allegedly travelling at excessive speed inward the Estate axis of Alapere, violently rammed into a moving dispatch rider.
The devastating impact resulted in the instant death of the rider, throwing the area into mourning.
Following the incident, LASTMA officers demonstrated remarkable promptness and professionalism by arriving quickly at the scene.
Their swift intervention became crucial as a group of enraged dispatch riders gathered and attempted to attack the tanker driver in reaction to the fatal crash.
Displaying calmness and tactical restraint, LASTMA officials successfully rescued the tanker 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 attention after he sustained serious injuries.
To reinforce security and restore order, operatives from the Nigeria Police Force were deployed to the scene. Their presence helped disperse the agitated crowd and prevented further breakdown of law and order.
The General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, extended heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased dispatch rider, praying that they find strength to bear the painful loss.
He also warned tanker drivers and other motorists to exercise caution and strictly adhere to speed limits and traffic regulations, emphasizing that reckless driving and excessive speed remain major contributors to avoidable road fatalities across Lagos State.
âThis unfortunate incident accentuates the urgent need for heightened vigilance and a collective recommitment to road safety. Every road user bears a fundamental responsibility to act prudently and safeguard human life,â he stated.
LASTMA officials confirmed that the tanker and the wreckage of the dispatch motorcycle were handed over to the police, while the case has been transferred to the appropriate authorities for further investigation and possible prosecution.