Nigeria: Three schoolchildren, Okada rider crushed to death in Oyo

By Zuleihat Owuiye, Mamos Nigeria

A tragic accident occurred on Tuesday morning in the Oluyole Local Government Area of Oyo State, resulting in the deaths of three Junior Secondary School students and a commercial motorcyclist, popularly known as an Okada rider.

According to eyewitnesses, the incident happened when a commercial truck rammed into the motorcycle carrying the students after a failed attempt to overtake another vehicle. The driver of the truck reportedly fled the scene immediately.

The eyewitnesses described the devastating scene, saying that two students died instantly, while the third student was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The Okada rider was also killed in the accident.

The incident sparked widespread outrage, with distraught students blocking the road and demanding justice and urgent government intervention. The local government chairman, Akeem Olatunji, condemned the recklessness of some trailer drivers and commercial motorcyclists, assuring that justice would be served and the driver would be brought to book.

Olatunji also directed that speed bumps be constructed on the road to slow down heavy-duty vehicles and protect schoolchildren. The chairman expressed deep sorrow over the loss of young lives, emphasizing the need to prevent such accidents in the future.

The construction company that owns the truck will be made to compensate the bereaved families, according to the chairman. The incident has raised concerns about road safety and the need for stricter enforcement of traffic rules.