Four persons comprising three students and a commercial motorcycle rider lost their lives in a road accident that occurred in Oluyole local government area of Ibadan, Oyo State capital.
Chairman of the local government, Asiwaju Akeem Olatunji who confirmed the incident in Ibadan said he has directed that all quarry trucks carrying asphalt, granite or any other material must adequately cover them to prevent spill on the road.
The incident occurred on Tuesday morning around 9am when a truck owned by a construction company, operating along the Abanla–Idi-Ayunre axis, fatally crushed a commercial motorcycle carrying the three students of Prospect High School, Abanla.
An eyewitness disclosed that the truck driver rammed into the motorcycle carrying the three students after a failed attempt to overtake another vehicle.
The truck driver reportedly ran away from the accident scene immediately after the crash.
His whereabouts was still unknown as further investigation into the accident commenced by the police.
The commercial motorcyclists and two students died immediately while the third student was eventually pronounced dead at a nearby hospital.
Eyewitnesses said that aggrieved students came into the streets shortly after the incident, blocking the road and demanding justice and urgent government intervention.
Emotions ran high as other commercial motorcyclists and residents joined in solidarity, condemning the recurring danger posed by heavy-duty vehicles on the route.
The Chairman of the council who hurriedly arrived at the scene alongside with the police and other security agencies, addressed the protesters and reassured the community of immediate and long-term actions.
While expressing deep sorrow over the loss of young lives, Olatunji condemned the recklessness of some trailer drivers and commercial motorcyclists operating in the area for their rush for quick money.
He explained that if the commercial motorcyclist had adhered to all necessary traffic rule including the number of passengers allowed, the rider would have been able to navigate and maneuvered his way to prevent the losses.
He assured the families of the students that justice would be served on the case, saying the council would not leave any stone unturned to ensure that the driver was found and brought to justice.
Olatunji also assured that the construction company that own the truck would be made to compensate the bereaved family.
“This is one tragedy too many. I can only imagine what the parents and families of these future leaders are going through emotionally, psychologically and physically right now. I’m a father and I can tell it is better imagined.
“We cannot continue to lose our children to preventable road accidents due to reckless drivers and riders who are bent on violating our laws at will,” Olatunji said.
He also disclosed that a directive has been issued to construct speed breakers along the road without delay. “We must take firm steps to slow down these trailers and protect our people, especially schoolchildren.
“The bush along that particular route will also be cleared off to enable road users have more visibility while plying it,” Olatunji affirmed.
He revealed that talks have begun with the management of the construction company to ensure accountability and enforce stricter safety measures for their drivers and trucks.
Meanwhile, the police have impounded the truck and assured that justice will be served on the matter.
Meanwhile, the atmosphere around the school remains somber as staff and students mourn the devastating loss of the students.
