A yet-to-be-identified driver, allegedly fleeing from officers of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) at Ile-Epo bus stop on Monday, knocked down two students of Government College, Agege, Lagos State, who were on their way home from school.
The victims, siblings aged 12 and 15, sustained severe injuries and were rushed to Orile-Agege General Hospital for treatment.
Sadly, the 12-year-old succumbed to her injuries while receiving medical care, while the 15-year-old was later transferred to Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) for further treatment.
According to an X user, @objectvmedia, the driver of a black Toyota Camry was being chased by LASTMA officers when the tragic incident occurred.
However, LASTMA’s spokesperson, Adebayo Taofiq, refuted the claim, stating that the agency does not engage in high-speed chases, whether on regular roads or the BRT corridor.
He explained that LASTMA has adopted advanced Traffic Management Solutions (TMS) technology, which allows for remote identification and apprehension of traffic violators without the need for physical confrontation.
Adebayo clarified that the driver, after illegally encroaching on the BRT lane, noticed LASTMA officers managing traffic ahead. In a desperate attempt to evade detection, he accelerated uncontrollably, lost control of his vehicle, and struck the two students.
Expressing condolences to the bereaved family, Adebayo reaffirmed LASTMA’s commitment to maintaining traffic order and ensuring road safety through lawful, technologically advanced enforcement strategies.
“Preliminary investigations have confirmed that the driver of a black Toyota Camry, after unlawfully encroaching on the BRT lane, noticed LASTMA officers dutifully managing traffic ahead. In a reckless bid to evade detection, he accelerated uncontrollably, lost control of his vehicle, and fatally struck two students of Government College, Agege, who were making their way home from school,” Adebayo explained.
“We wish to categorically refute the claims made in the report, which is a gross distortion of facts and an attempt to misinform the public regarding the tragic incident,” he said in a statement,” he stated.
Meanwhile, the Lagos State Police Command has launched an investigation into the incident.
“The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Olohundare M. Jimoh while disclosing that a speedy, detailed and conclusive investigation has since commenced, hereby calls on road users, particularly motorists, to strictly comply with traffic rules/laws, speed limits and safe driving practices.
“Meanwhile, CP Jimoh, on behalf of officers and men of the Command, commiserates with the family of the victims over the unfortunate incident and expresses confidence that the Command will get to the root of the matter and ensure justice is served,” the Command’s spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin, said in a statement on Tuesday.