The Babajide Sanwo-Olu-led Lagos State Government has ordered the immediate trial of the owner and driver of the container-laden truck that crushed a commercial bus killing nine people on Sunday.
CityNews Nigeria reports that the container had crushed the commercial bus, popularly called Danfo, at the Ojuelegba bridge.
In a statement on Monday, the Commissioner, Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, stated that the Lagos State Government commiserates with the families who lost their loved ones in the Ojuelegba truck accident.
He prayed that the “Almighty console them and grant them the strength to go through this difficult time.”
Omotoso revealed that the unfortunate accident claimed the lives of nine persons.
He stated that those that have so far been identified are:
Miss Blessing Isioma “F”
Abdurahman Okoya Sunday “M”
Felix John Ifeanyi “M” 40year
Olatokunbo Basirat King “F’ 49years
Speaking further, he said Governor Sanwo-Olu, after receiving an interim report of the incident, directed the police to speed up their investigation of the matter.
He also directed that the driver of the truck and the owner, who are in police custody, must be prosecuted, adding that the Ministry of Transportation and Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA) should meet urgently to find a lasting solution to the menace of falling trucks.
The statement reads: “All the laws governing the operations of trucks and related vehicles must be enforced with more vigour and diligence.
“The incident of 29th January, 2023 is one too many and it shows the irresponsibility of owners and drivers of such articulated vehicles who under the law should care for other road users.
“The Lagos State Government has zero tolerance for large containers that fall off trucks and injure or kill citizens, who are going about their lawful businesses. The driver (Sodiq Okanlawon) and owner (Wasiu Lekan) of a container which killed three (3) people on the 26th July, 2020 on Oshodi/Apapa Expressway, Ilasamaja were prosecuted and convicted on the 28th February, 2022 and sentenced to life imprisonment by Hon. Justice Okikiolu Ighile.
“The State Government will, in a similar manner, ensure that the driver and the owner of the truck involved in the January 29th incident are put on trial for the needless death of our dear citizens.
“This, we hope, will send a strong message to all those who have no regard for other people’s lives that Lagos will not condone their recklessness. They must be stopped, with the strong backing of our laws, because their actions offend our avowed commitment to safety and decency.”
