Tragedy struck on Friday in Ikangba, Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, when a truck lost control and crashed into students from Seico Secondary School, leaving one female student dead and another critically injured. The heartbreaking incident happened along the newly refurbished Ikangba/Agoro Road as the students were returning home after completing their West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for the day.
According to a local resident and community leader, Mr. Eko Nicholas, the truck was coming from the Molipa side when it suddenly swerved off its lane, hitting the students before crashing into the fence of a nearby Redeemed Christian Church of God parish. “Nobody knows what exactly caused the truck to lose control, but it veered off its lane and rammed into the students who were walking from the opposite direction,” Nicholas explained.
The students, clearly WASSCE candidates, were holding their exam question papers at the time. Sadly, one female student died instantly at the scene, while another girl was critically hurt and rushed to the hospital. The community is now praying for her recovery.
Nicholas, who also serves as Chairman of the Ogun State chapter of the Campaign for Democratic and Workers’ Rights (CDWR), expressed grave concern over the rising number of accidents on this stretch since the road was rehabilitated earlier this year. He criticized the government for failing to install necessary safety measures like speed breakers and streetlights that could help curb reckless driving and prevent such disasters.
“This is yet another needless death on Ikangba/Agoro Road,” Nicholas said. “Since February, six lives have been lost on this road due to accidents, with many others injured. The government must act now to install speed bumps and streetlights, especially since several schools are located along this route and children walk daily.”
Despite previous appeals from CDWR to the state government, no action has been taken. The Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency (TRACE) has confirmed the tragic accident and is reportedly investigating the case.
This devastating event highlights the urgent need for road safety interventions to protect innocent lives, particularly students pursuing their education. The community’s call to action serves as a wake-up call to authorities to prioritize safety on these busy school routes.