A dispatch rider has lost his life in a tragic road accident that occurred in the early hours of today at the Ikeja Underbridge, along the busy route leading towards Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way in Lagos State.
The incident happened during the morning traffic build-up, a period when many workers, commuters, and commercial drivers are on the road trying to beat congestion. According to eyewitnesses at the scene, the dispatch rider was riding his bicycle and attempting to move through a narrow space between a heavy-duty truck and another vehicle while traffic was temporarily halted at a traffic control point.
Witnesses said that vehicles were waiting for the traffic signal to change when the rider tried to pass through. In the process, he reportedly lost balance and fell close to the truck, entering a blind spot that the truck driver could not see. Moments later, when the traffic light changed, the truck driver accelerated along with other vehicles, unaware that the rider was directly beside or underneath the truck.
The rider was dragged and crushed almost immediately, leading to his death on the spot. People nearby raised alarm, but it was already too late to save him. The incident caused shock and panic among other road users, traders, and pedestrians around the Ikeja Underbridge area.
Security officials and traffic officers were alerted shortly after the accident. The truck involved in the incident has since been impounded by the authorities for further investigation. Officials said this is part of routine procedure in fatal road accidents, especially those involving heavy-duty vehicles.
Dispatch riders have become a common sight on Lagos roads in recent years, mainly due to the growth of online shopping, logistics companies, and food delivery services. Many of them rely on bicycles or motorcycles to move quickly through traffic, often taking risks in order to meet delivery deadlines and earn daily wages.
The Ikeja Underbridge area is known for heavy traffic, particularly during peak hours. It connects several major roads and serves as a key route for commuters traveling to and from areas such as Maryland, Oshodi, and the Lagos Mainland. Despite the presence of traffic lights and officers at certain times, accidents are still common due to impatience, poor road discipline, and the pressure to move quickly.
Residents and road users who spoke after the incident expressed sadness and concern over the growing number of road deaths in Lagos. Some blamed reckless driving, while others pointed to the lack of adequate safety measures for cyclists and dispatch riders.
“This is very painful,” said a shop owner near the underbridge. “These young people are just trying to make a living. But the roads are not safe for them, especially with these big trucks.”
In recent years, the Lagos State Government and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) have launched several campaigns to promote road safety and reduce accidents. These include public awareness programs, enforcement of traffic laws, and warnings against dangerous driving practices such as speeding and improper overtaking. Despite these efforts, fatal accidents continue to occur.
The FRSC and other safety agencies have often advised cyclists and motorcyclists to avoid riding in between vehicles, especially trucks, and to always assume that truck drivers may not see them. Drivers of heavy vehicles are also urged to be more careful at traffic points and pedestrian-heavy areas.
As investigations into today’s accident continue, many are calling for stronger enforcement of road safety rules and better protection for vulnerable road users. For the family and colleagues of the deceased dispatch rider, the incident is a painful reminder of the risks faced daily by those who depend on the roads for their livelihood.
