By Joy Akinsanya
Abeokuta, Jan. 9, 2026
The Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps (TRACE) has confirmed a tragic accident that claimed two lives in the early hours of Friday on the notoriously busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. The incident, a single-vehicle or ‘lone’ crash, occurred around Oremeji Bus Stop, adding to the grim statistics of road fatalities on this critical corridor.
Mr. Babatunde Akinbiyi, the Corps’ Spokesperson, detailed the event in a statement issued from Abeokuta. The crash involved a Mazda bus with registration number YNF 414 XN and took place at approximately 1:30 a.m.—a time when reduced visibility, potential driver fatigue, and higher speeds often converge to create dangerous conditions.
Beyond the Headlines: Understanding a ‘Lone Crash’
While multi-vehicle collisions often dominate news cycles, single-vehicle accidents like this one are frequently deadlier for occupants. Preliminary reports from eyewitnesses indicate a common yet deadly sequence: speeding led to a loss of control, causing the bus to hit a road barrier and somersault. This highlights a critical road safety issue. Speeding reduces a driver’s reaction time and dramatically increases the severity of impact. A vehicle hitting a static object like a barrier at high speed experiences catastrophic deceleration forces, making survival unlikely.
The Human and Operational Toll
The victims, identified as the driver and conductor—both adult males—were pronounced dead at the scene. No other injuries were reported. The bus was reportedly transporting live chicks, indicating it was on a commercial delivery run. This detail underscores the round-the-clock economic activity on the expressway and the risks faced by commercial drivers operating under tight schedules.
Following the crash, a coordinated response unfolded. The vehicle was towed by the Ibafo Motor Traffic Division of the Police for further investigation, which will likely involve mechanical inspection and data analysis to corroborate witness accounts. The remains of the deceased were respectfully deposited at the Divine Touch Hospital morgue in Ibafo by a joint team comprising TRACE, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Ogun State Emergency Services (OGSAES).
A Recurring Challenge on a Critical Artery
The Lagos-Ibadan Expressway is Nigeria’s busiest interstate road, linking the nation’s economic hub to other key regions. Despite ongoing reconstruction efforts, it remains a site of frequent accidents. Factors contributing to this include inconsistent road surfaces, erratic driver behavior (especially speeding and overtaking), inadequate lighting, and vehicle overloading. This latest tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the persistent safety challenges.
Mr. Akinbiyi noted that traffic flow was temporarily disrupted during the rescue and recovery operation but was efficiently restored through the efforts of TRACE and police personnel on the ground. This quick resolution is crucial to preventing secondary accidents, which often occur when traffic suddenly backs up on high-speed roads.
As investigations continue, this incident reinforces the urgent need for sustained public education on speed limits, enhanced road infrastructure like crash barriers designed to absorb impact, and stricter enforcement of traffic laws, particularly for commercial vehicles operating at night.
(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
IOJ//BHB
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Edited by Buhari Bolaji
