A fatal road accident on Wednesday claimed the lives of a commercial motorcyclist, popularly known as an Okada rider, and his male passenger after they were struck by an empty Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) tanker along the Epe–Ijebu Road in Epe, Lagos State.
The incident occurred at Pokia Junction, inward Araga, where the two victims were said to be riding against the designated one-way traffic when the speeding tanker driver collided with their motorcycle.
Confirming the tragedy, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, General Manager of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), said preliminary security findings indicated that the motorcyclist “was unlawfully traversing a prohibited route (one-way), in blatant contravention of existing traffic statutes” when the tanker struck them.
“The violent impact proved fatal, resulting in the instantaneous death of both the rider and his passenger,” Bakare-Oki stated, underscoring the severity of the crash.
LASTMA operatives were said to have promptly mobilised to the scene, secured the area to prevent further incidents, and arrested the tanker driver. The affected section of the road was cordoned off to safeguard public safety and maintain the smooth flow of traffic.
Following the initial response, the remains of the deceased Okada rider and his passenger, as well as the detained tanker driver, were handed over to officers of the Nigeria Police Force attached to the Noforija Police Division. They are expected to undergo thorough investigation and face appropriate legal action.
In a related statement, Sola Giwa, Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Transportation, urged all road users, particularly commercial motorcyclists, to strictly adhere to traffic regulations to safeguard lives. Giwa described the loss of life as “sorrowful and sobering” and a stark reminder of the risks posed by disregard for established rules.
He emphasised that such tragedies are “entirely avoidable” when motorcyclists and other motorists obey lane directives and observe moderate speed limits, especially on major thoroughfares like the Epe–Ijebu Road.
The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying traffic law enforcement and enhancing public awareness campaigns to prevent similar losses on the state’s busy roads.
