An elderly woman lost her life over the weekend after being struck by a white Pathfinder Jeep reportedly driven by an intoxicated driver in the Oke-Odo area of Lagos State.
According to the Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment, Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Mr. Adebayo Taofiq, the vehicle, with registration number JJJ 118 HX, was speeding excessively when the driver, allegedly under the influence of alcohol, lost control due to brake failure.
The vehicle veered off the road and rammed into the unsuspecting pedestrian, killing her instantly. LASTMA officials at the scene swiftly intervened and apprehended the driver, who was attempting to flee. The area was cordoned off to prevent further incidents, and the damaged vehicle was towed and handed over to the Police for investigation.
Officers from the Ile-Epo Police Division were also on ground to provide security reinforcement and commence forensic examination of the vehicle.
Taofiq added that officials identified the deceased and contacted her family through a mobile phone recovered at the scene.
Reacting to the tragedy, LASTMA General Manager, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, expressed deep concern over the increasing rate of road deaths caused by reckless and intoxicated drivers.
“The sanctity of human life is inviolable. The continued slaughter of innocent citizens through sheer recklessness and moral irresponsibility is intolerable,” he said.
Bakare-Oki condemned the incident as “an egregious display of indiscipline and moral decay,” urging motorists to uphold discipline, sobriety, and respect for life while on the road.
He further called on law enforcement agencies to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure that the suspect faces appropriate prosecution under Lagos State’s traffic and criminal laws.
