NYSC Member Dies After Being Hit by Trailer in Ibadan Days After Resuming at Oyo Assembly

A serving National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Oluwatosin Abidakun, has died in a road accident involving an articulated truck in Ibadan, Oyo State, just days after resuming her primary assignment at the Oyo State House of Assembly.

Abidakun reportedly died on Monday after a trailer rammed into the motorcycle she was travelling on with another corps member around Agodi Gardens in Ibadan North Local Government Area.

The other corps member sustained injuries and was taken to the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, for treatment.

The Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Adebo Ogundoyin, expressed sadness over the incident, describing the death as a painful and devastating loss.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Ogundoyin said Abidakun’s death was particularly heartbreaking because she had only recently begun her national service with hopes and aspirations for the future.

He extended his condolences to her family, friends and fellow corps members, while praying for the speedy recovery of the surviving victim.

Meanwhile, eyewitnesses alleged that the truck driver had earlier hit several vehicles around the Sango area before proceeding towards Agodi Gardens, where the fatal accident occurred.

One eyewitness claimed that the driver was attempting to flee after the earlier collisions, prompting motorists whose vehicles had been hit to pursue him.

The Oyo State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Kehinde Dahunsi, confirmed the incident, stating that the female corps member died while the injured motorcycle rider was evacuated to UCH for medical attention.

The incident has raised renewed concerns about road safety and the dangers posed by articulated vehicles on busy roads.

Further details about the circumstances of the crash and any action against the truck driver were not provided in the account available at the time of reporting.

LASTMA Warns Children, Teenagers Against Using Roller Skate Shoes on Public Roads

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has cautioned children, teenagers and young adults against using rolling skate shoes, wheeled footwear and similar recreational devices on public highways and other vehicular corridors.

The warning was issued by the authority over concerns that using footwear fitted with concealed or retractable wheels on roads could expose users to traffic-related dangers.

According to LASTMA, some users attempt to glide alongside moving vehicles, cross carriageways indiscriminately or manoeuvre through traffic without adequate protective equipment and adult supervision.

The authority noted that public roads are shared by motorists, motorcyclists, pedestrians and other road users, making them unsuitable for recreational activities involving wheeled devices.

LASTMA advised parents, guardians, schools and caregivers to discourage children and other vulnerable road users from using rolling skate shoes on highways, expressways, bridges, service lanes and other areas where vehicular traffic is permitted.

It urged users of such footwear to restrict skating activities to designated recreational areas, private compounds and other safe environments suitable for the activity.

The authority also recommended the use of protective equipment, including helmets, knee pads and elbow pads, when engaging in skating activities.

LASTMA General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, described road safety as a collective responsibility requiring vigilance, discipline and respect for the risks associated with public roads.

He stressed that the protection of human life should remain a priority and that recreational activities should not expose individuals or other road users to unnecessary danger.

LASTMA also urged motorists to exercise caution around children and young people using wheeled footwear, particularly in residential areas, estates and school zones where they may unexpectedly enter traffic.

The authority asked members of the public to report dangerous traffic situations, road obstructions, crashes, vehicle breakdowns and other incidents requiring traffic-management intervention through its toll-free short code, 3367.

LASTMA said it remains committed to promoting responsible road-user behaviour and improving road safety across Lagos State.

The statement was signed by Adebayo Taofiq, Director of the Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA.