Lagos, Nigeria – A yet-to-be-identified driver struck two female siblings returning from school on Monday along the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway, killing one and leaving the other critically injured.
The tragic incident, which occurred at Ogundare bus stop, has sparked renewed concerns over reckless driving and adherence to traffic laws in the state.
According to a statement released on Tuesday by the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, the driver was illegally plying the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) lane at high speed when he hit the two girls, aged 12 and 15.
“On Monday, February 24, 2025, at about 1535hrs, a yet-to-be-identified driver, while plying the BRT lane on high speed at Ogundare bus-stop along Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway, hit two female pedestrians, siblings aged 12 and 15, on their way back from school,” Hundeyin stated.
Emergency responders quickly transported the victims to Orile Agege General Hospital for urgent medical care. Unfortunately, the younger of the two succumbed to her injuries while receiving treatment, while her older sister was later transferred to Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) for further medical attention.
The tragic accident has prompted strong reactions from authorities, with the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Olohundare M. Jimoh, vowing that a thorough investigation is already underway.
“The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Olohundare M. Jimoh, while disclosing that a speedy, detailed, and conclusive investigation has since commenced, hereby calls on road users, particularly motorists, to strictly comply with traffic rules/laws, speed limits, and safe driving practices,” the police statement added.
Jimoh also extended condolences to the bereaved family and assured them that justice would be served. “We will get to the root of this matter and ensure that the culprit is held accountable,” he said.
Residents and commuters in the area have expressed anger over the frequent disregard for traffic laws, particularly the misuse of BRT lanes by private motorists. Many have called for stricter enforcement measures and heavier penalties for traffic violators to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
“This is not the first time we are witnessing such recklessness on this road,” said a local trader, Adewale Ojo. “Drivers who have no business in the BRT lane continue to use it at high speeds, endangering pedestrians and other road users.”
Another resident, Funmi Adeyemi, urged authorities to install speed cameras and road barriers to deter unauthorized vehicles from encroaching on the BRT lanes. “There should be more surveillance and strict penalties for offenders,” she emphasized.
As the investigation continues, the Lagos State Police Command has urged anyone with useful information regarding the driver’s identity or the vehicle involved in the hit-and-run incident to come forward.
With road safety concerns escalating, advocacy groups and traffic management agencies are expected to intensify campaigns to enforce compliance with traffic laws and prevent further loss of lives due to reckless driving.
The bereaved family is yet to issue a public statement, but sources close to them described the tragedy as devastating, calling for swift justice against the responsible driver. The Lagos State Government is also expected to address concerns over road safety measures in the affected area.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
