A fatal road accident over the weekend along the Ojota Expressway has claimed the life of a pedestrian, prompting the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) to issue a strong reminder about the dangers of illegally crossing major highways.
According to a statement released on Sunday by Adebayo Taofiq, Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment at LASTMA, the incident occurred when the victim attempted to cross the busy expressway without using the designated pedestrian bridge. He was struck by a speeding lorry, resulting in his death at the scene.
Initial findings indicated that the lorry driver tried to escape after hitting the pedestrian but lost control of the vehicle in the process, crashing into a Toyota Corolla with registration number LND 905 HN.
Olalekan Bakare-Oki, General Manager of LASTMA, emphasized the Lagos State Government’s commitment to pedestrian safety, noting the substantial investments made in pedestrian bridges across the city. He stressed the importance of using these facilities rather than endangering lives by jaywalking.
The statement confirmed that LASTMA officials quickly intervened, arresting the fleeing lorry driver and securing both the vehicle and the suspect. They were handed over to the Ogudu Police Division for further investigation. The victim’s remains were also transferred to the Lagos State Environmental Health Monitoring Unit, following standard protocols.
Describing the accident as “entirely preventable,” Bakare-Oki expressed condolences to the victim’s family and underscored the need for responsible pedestrian behaviour. “It is unlawful and extremely dangerous to ignore available pedestrian infrastructure,” he stated.
He further warned that disobedience to traffic laws not only puts individuals at risk but also endangers other road users. He urged residents to uphold safety regulations and demonstrate collective responsibility in preventing such avoidable tragedies.
LASTMA concluded by calling on the public to prioritize safety over convenience, stressing that shortcuts across highways are never worth the potential loss of life.
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