Two fatal road accidents in Ogun State on Wednesday claimed five lives and left three people injured, underscoring fresh concerns about road safety as the festive season approaches.
The first crash occurred around 6 a.m. along Sango-Ijoko Road, near Gasline Junction, when a MAN Diesel truck (registration FST 424 XZ) attempted a dangerous overtaking maneuver and collided head-on with a commercial tricycle carrying six passengers.
According to Babatunde Akinbiyi, spokesperson for the Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency (TRACE), three tricycle passengers died instantly, while the three others sustained serious injuries. The deceased were taken to the Ifo General Hospital morgue. Two of the injured were rushed to Faith Hospital in Ogba-Ayo, and the third was transferred to Babcock University Teaching Hospital in Ilisan. TRACE officers cleared the wreckage and restored normal traffic flow.
Hours later, another deadly collision took place in the Ibafo section of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. Two unregistered Mack trailer trucks crashed after one suffered brake failure while speeding, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) said.
FRSC spokesperson Florence Okpe confirmed that four people were involved in the incident. Two died at the scene, and although one survivor was initially taken to a private hospital in Magboro, medical staff later pronounced him dead. No other injuries were reported. FRSC personnel and the Nigeria Police managed the scene until the vehicles were removed and handed over to Ibafo Division.
The twin tragedies come amid mounting worry over road safety during the “Ember Months” – the final quarter of the year traditionally marked by a spike in fatal crashes. Drivers’ disregard for speed limits, mechanical faults, night journeys, and substance abuse are frequently cited as contributing factors.
ICYMI
Data from the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority earlier revealed that at least 87 people died in 1,006 accidents across the state between January and September 2025 alone.
Traffic enforcement agencies have renewed appeals for motorists to observe speed limits, ensure vehicles are roadworthy, and avoid night travel where possible as the Christmas and New Year travel rush intensifies.
