A routine day of traffic control turned into a nightmare in Badagry as a speeding truck mowed down a Lagos State Traffic Management Authority officer and two other victims, leaving grief and outrage in its wake.

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) confirmed on Tuesday that the tragedy unfolded when a truck, hurtling at dangerous speed, reportedly suffered brake failure and slammed into an officer who was carrying out his lawful duty. In a cruel twist of fate, the vehicle also struck a pedestrian at the busy Badagry Roundabout.

According to the General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, the rampaging truck did not stop at the first point of impact. Like a runaway beast, it barrelled forward, claiming yet another life before finally grinding to a halt about 200 metres away.

The driver, rather than face the music, bolted from the scene. However, he was later tracked down and arrested by vigilant LASTMA officials, who handed him over to the police.

“The road accident happened on Monday, Feb. 23, at the Badagry Roundabout inward Seme and it involved a fully loaded SHACMAN truck, owned by the Dangote Group.

“This incident highlighted the daily risks faced by those who work to keep our roads safe,” he said.

Emergency responders swung into action without delay. LASTMA officers, operatives from the Badagry Police Division, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the Nigeria Security and Defence Corps (NSCDC), alongside concerned residents, converged swiftly on the scene in a desperate bid to salvage lives.

The injured victims were rushed to the General Hospital, Badagry, but doctors sadly confirmed them dead on arrival. Three lives extinguished in a split second of recklessness.

Bakare-Oki, weighed down by grief, extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families.

“The LASTMA officer who lost his life was a dedicated public servant who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving the people of Lagos; We honour his courage, professionalism and unwavering commitment to his duty,” he said.

The LASTMA chief used the painful episode as a clarion call to transport and logistics operators, stressing that safety must never be treated as an afterthought.

“We implore all haulage operators and logistics companies to implement rigorous and regular maintenance checks, especially on braking systems to prevent such avoidable accidents.

“The accident vehicle was impounded and handed over to Badagry Police Division for a thorough forensic investigation,” he said.

The Authority pledged to work hand in glove with relevant security agencies to ensure justice is not only done but seen to be done. It also vowed to tighten the noose on safety enforcement across Lagos corridors, insisting that the blood spilled on the asphalt must not be in vain.