Update On Tragic Ojodu Accident: LASTMA, VIO Responsible; Killer Truck Driver Arrested

By Akinwale Kasali

Fresh facts have emerged over the death of Seven Students at the Ojodu axis of the Lagos State when a truck driver ran over them.

It was gathered that officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA and Vehicle Inspection Officers, VIO, had given the truck driver a chase, leading to the unfortunate accident as the truck driver rammed over the students who were at the Bus Stop.

Operatives of the Lagos State Police Command has, however, arrested the driver along Ogunusi Road, Grammar School Bus Stop, Lagos State.

Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Adekunle Ajisebutu, confirmed the driver of the truck has been arrested, adding that investigation has commenced into the incident.

“The driver has been arrested. Investigation into the accident is ongoing,” he said.

It was earlier reported that the students were on their way home after school activities and had wanted to cross the road when the truck ran over them.

A mob descended on the driver and chased him to the Ogba area before the police apprehended him.

The mob, comprising angry youths, clashed with policemen at the scene who tried to maintain law and order.

Emergency responders including operatives of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency turned back from the scene in the ensuing riot.

The incident grounded vehicular movement as motorists deserted the road and stranded commuters trekked long distances.

Following this development, the Ojodu Local Council Development Area Executive Chairman, David Olusegun Odunmbaku, has called for calm, urging his constituents not to take laws into their hands and let the law take its cause.

Odunmbaku, in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Jumu’ah Abiodun, expressed his condolences to the families of the victims of the truck accident on Tuesday, leaving many students dead.

“My heart is broken for the families and friends of students who lost their lives in this horrible accident. This is a devastating tragedy, my thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by the horrible accident that killed Grammar School students,” Odunmbaku said.

“My heartfelt condolences to the victims’ families, May God grant them the fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss,” he added.

The Council Boss persuaded sympathisers to respect the families’ privacy. “There’s need for calm in this trying time, we must all at the same time respect the privacy of the bereaved families”, he said.