Hamzat warns against reckless driving in wake of fatal Epe accident

The Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, on Thursday paid a condolence visit to Epe Township following a tragic traffic accident that occurred on Monday, 11th November 2024.

The accident claimed several lives and left others with varying degrees of injuries.

Addressing the press after a special prayer session organised in memory of the victims, Dr Hamzat emphasised the importance of proactive measures by both the government and citizens to ensure road safety.

Dr Hamzat highlighted that the safety of citizens required collective effort, urging the public to support government initiatives and traffic officials in combating reckless driving, overloading, overspeeding, and driving under the influence of alcohol, which he identified as major causes of accidents.

“We appeal to everyone to exercise patience on the roads. Preventing such incidents requires decisive actions. The causes of this unfortunate event appear linked to reckless driving, overloading, and negligence. It is wrong to dismiss government or traffic officials’ actions as unnecessary or sentimental. This mindset must change,” Hamzat stated.

He also detailed the state government’s efforts to curb reckless driving, referencing the Lagos State Drivers’ Institute, which trains, retrains, and recertifies professional drivers to enhance road safety.

The institute, he noted, had partnered with companies operating heavy-duty trucks to ensure their drivers received proper training and certification.

Dr Hamzat reported that nine of the accident victims had been discharged, while others were transferred to different hospitals for further treatment.

He prayed for the swift recovery of the injured and offered his condolences to the families of the deceased, asking Allah to grant them the fortitude to bear their loss.

In his remarks, Hon Wale Raji, a member of the Federal House of Representatives representing Epe Constituency, urged citizens to reflect on the circumstances of the accident.

He stressed the importance of proper vehicle maintenance and adherence to traffic rules to prevent similar tragedies.

Raji added that drivers must be held accountable for their actions, stating, “If a vehicle hits someone and causes their death, it is not just God’s will. Such drivers must face consequences, and affected families must receive adequate compensation.”

He praised the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation for its prompt and effective response to the incident.

Similarly, Hon Abiodun Tobun, a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly representing Epe Constituency I, described the accident as painful and tragic.

He commiserated with the bereaved families and called for improvements in the state government’s rescue response team.

Tobun also advocated for designated parking spaces for trailers to prevent indiscriminate parking.

He criticised the movement of trailers through residential areas during the day, noting that such practices endangered the lives of citizens.