Daud Olatunji
Panic and anger erupted in Sowo Village, along the Abeokuta–Sagamu Expressway in Ogun State, on Wednesday after a tragic accident involving a runaway vehicle claimed the lives of four schoolchildren, leading to a protest that left hundreds of travellers stranded for hours.
PLATFORM TIMES reports that the fatal crash, which occurred around 3pm, saw a fast-moving vehicle veer off the road and plough into a group of pupils walking home from school.
Eyewitnesses said the victims died on the spot, triggering outrage among villagers who immediately mobilised to block the busy highway in protest.
The chaotic scene brought vehicular movement to a standstill, with motorists and commuters caught in gridlock that stretched for several kilometres.
Some travellers reportedly abandoned their vehicles and trekked long distances in search of alternative routes.
An attempt by angry youths to lynch the driver of the vehicle was foiled by security operatives who arrived at the scene and whisked him away to safety.
Spokesperson for the Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps (TRACE), Mr. Babatunde Akinbiyi, confirmed the incident, describing it as “a deeply unfortunate occurrence.”
“A tragic accident occurred at Sowo Village, claiming four lives, including schoolchildren. The road was blocked as a result, and security agencies were immediately summoned to manage the tension,” Akinbiyi stated.
He added that a joint team of TRACE, the police, and the Nigerian Army was deployed to the area to restore normalcy.
“The road has now been reopened, and traffic is gradually easing. The timely intervention of the security agencies helped to calm the angry residents and ensure order was restored,” he said.
As of the time of filing this report, the bodies of the victims had been deposited in a nearby morgue, while the driver remains in police custody for further investigation.
Residents have, however, called on the government to erect speed bumps and pedestrian crossings in the area to prevent a recurrence.
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