On Monday, November 13, a driver attempting to escape arrest by the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASMA) left a trail of devastation on the Gbagada-Oshodi Expressway, killing two roadside sweepers. The fleeing suspect, wanted for a traffic offense, collided with two members of the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) at their duty post, resulting in the tragic death of both sanitation workers. According to eyewitness accounts, the LASMA officials had moved to arrest the driver for a traffic violation, but instead of complying, the driver opted to flee the scene. In a desperate attempt to evade capture, the suspect rammed into the two LAWMA workers who were stationed by the roadside, leading to their immediate demise.
The scene quickly attracted the attention of security personnel, including the police, who arrived promptly. However, their intervention escalated tensions as tear gas was deployed to disperse protesters and restore order to the area. LAWMA, in a statement released in the aftermath of the incident, confirmed the untimely demise of the two sanitation workers. “LAWMA is working with security agencies to apprehend and prosecute the errant driver of the car, with vehicle number EPE 984 DV,” the statement read. “We wish to appeal to motorists for the umpteenth time, to drive with utmost caution on the highways, to avoid sad incidents like this happening to our sanitation workers or anyone in the course of their legitimate duties. The public is urged to remain calm as appropriate steps are being taken and necessary measures put in place. Our heartfelt condolences go to the families of the deceased, whom we love most dearly. May their souls continue to rest in peace.” See below;
