Two people lost their lives on Wednesday following a tragic road accident involving a petrol tanker and a commercial motorcycle along the Epe–Ijebu Road in Lagos State. The accident happened at Pokia Junction, inward Araga, in the Epe area of the state.
The victims were a commercial motorcycle rider, popularly known as an okada rider, and his male passenger. Both were crushed to death when an empty petrol tanker collided with the motorcycle.
According to reports from the scene, the tanker was moving at high speed when it rammed into the motorcycle. The impact was severe, leaving both victims dead on the spot. The incident caused panic among residents, traders, and road users in the area, many of whom rushed to the scene after hearing a loud noise.
Officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) quickly arrived at the accident scene to manage the situation. The tanker driver was arrested by LASTMA officials and later handed over to the appropriate authorities for further investigation.
Confirming the incident, the General Manager of LASTMA, Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki, said initial findings showed that the accident was caused by a traffic violation on the part of the motorcycle rider. He explained that the okada rider was riding against traffic on a one-way road, which is strictly prohibited under Lagos traffic laws.
According to Bakare-Oki, the motorcyclist was carrying a male passenger while driving in the wrong direction when the speeding tanker hit them. He noted that this dangerous action put both the rider and his passenger at serious risk and eventually led to the fatal accident.
“Preliminary security reports indicate that the commercial motorcyclist was driving against traffic on a prohibited one-way route while conveying a passenger,” Bakare-Oki said. “This violation exposed him and his passenger to grave danger, which sadly resulted in loss of lives.”
He added that the tanker, although empty, was moving at a speed that made it difficult for the driver to avoid the motorcycle once it appeared in his path.
LASTMA officials were said to have acted swiftly after the accident. They secured the area to prevent further crashes and controlled traffic to ensure smooth movement of vehicles along the busy Epe–Ijebu Road. This quick response helped to reduce congestion and prevent the situation from getting worse.
The bodies of the deceased were later removed from the road and handed over to officers of the Nigeria Police attached to the Noforija Police Division. The arrested tanker driver was also transferred to the police for detailed investigation and possible legal action.
Road accidents involving commercial motorcycles and heavy-duty vehicles are common in many parts of Lagos, especially on major roads where motorcycles are either restricted or banned. Despite repeated warnings by the government and traffic agencies, some okada riders continue to ignore traffic rules, including one-way restrictions and speed limits.
In Lagos, commercial motorcycles are banned from operating on several highways and major roads due to safety concerns. However, enforcement remains a challenge, especially in suburban and semi-rural areas like Epe, where motorcycles are still widely used for transportation.
Residents of the area expressed sadness over the incident and called on the government to strengthen traffic enforcement. Some witnesses said that reckless driving by both motorcyclists and truck drivers has become a serious problem on the Epe–Ijebu Road.
“This road has recorded many accidents,” said a local trader at Pokia Junction. “Okada riders often drive against traffic, and some tanker drivers also drive too fast. Government needs to do more to stop these accidents.”
LASTMA and other traffic agencies have repeatedly warned road users to obey traffic rules at all times. Authorities have also advised commercial drivers, including tanker operators, to drive carefully and maintain safe speeds, especially in areas with high human activity.
Bakare-Oki used the incident to remind Lagos residents of the importance of road safety. He urged all motorists, motorcyclists, and commercial drivers to respect traffic signs, avoid one-way driving, and prioritize human lives over speed and profit.
“Lives are precious and must not be wasted due to reckless behaviour on the road,” he said. “We appeal to all road users to obey traffic laws and cooperate with traffic officers to prevent avoidable tragedies.”
The Lagos State Government has continued to invest in road safety awareness campaigns, traffic enforcement, and emergency response systems. However, officials say that the cooperation of road users remains critical in reducing accidents across the state.
As investigations continue, the tragic deaths of the okada rider and his passenger serve as another reminder of the dangers of ignoring traffic laws. For their families, the loss is painful and sudden, adding to the growing list of road accident victims in Lagos.