The Lagos State Traffic Management Agency (LASTMA) has denied reports of its officials’ involvement in Tuesday’s Ojodu truck accident. A truck crushed and killed about 17 school pupils in the Ojodu Berger area of Lagos state.
Earlier reports alleged that the truck driver lost control while attempting to escape from LASTMA officials, who were chasing him fervently. The loss of control resulted in a crash into Ojodu Berger Grammar School pupils who were returning from school.
In a statement issued by the General Manager of LASTMA, Bolaji Oreagba, on Wednesday, Dec 8th, the agency boss, while commiserating with the families of the deceased, called on various media outlets to refrain from rushing to the press with unsubstantiated information. Instead, an adequate investigation should be done on events before publication.
Part of the statement, which was titled, “LASTMA disowns involvement in Ojodu truck accident,” reads, “From the reports we received on the incident, the driver is believed to have lost control of the vehicle, probably because of mechanical reasons. The police are investigating the matter; the public should await their report.”
“LASTMA does not have a traffic management duty post around the accident scene. And all patrol personnel had reported back to base for the daily parade as at the time the accident occurred, leaving only those at their traffic management posts.”
However, Oreagba also noted that some other Traffic agencies were indicted on the unfortunate accident, which made him wonder if all the indicted traffic management operatives were all in pursuit of the truck at the same time. He thereby reiterates his advice to the media to always investigate issues properly and ensure what is being put out to the public is the truth and free from every form of falsehood.
