The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority has issued a strong warning to pedestrians against illegally crossing highways, following a fatal incident involving a pedestrian and a lorry on the Ojota Expressway over the weekend.
According to a statement issued on Sunday by Adebayo Taofiq, LASTMA’s Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment, the pedestrian was hit while attempting to cross the expressway without using the designated pedestrian bridge.
“Infrastructure like pedestrian bridges are built for public safety. It is expected that residents use them responsibly,” said LASTMA General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the lorry driver tried to flee the scene after the collision but lost control and crashed into a Toyota Corolla with registration number LND 905 HN. The driver was eventually apprehended by LASTMA officials and handed over to the Ogudu Police Division for further investigation.
Bakare-Oki described the incident as “tragic and completely avoidable,” urging Lagosians to prioritize safety by making use of pedestrian infrastructure provided by the government.
“It is not just unlawful but extremely dangerous to cross highways at unauthorized points,” he stated. “Negligence like this doesn’t only endanger the person involved but also puts other road users at serious risk.”
The body of the deceased was handed over to officials of the Lagos State Environmental Health Monitoring Unit (SEHMU), in line with established procedures.
LASTMA appealed to the public to remain vigilant and avoid risky shortcuts, emphasizing that strict adherence to traffic safety protocols can help prevent unnecessary loss of life.
