Dispatch Rider Killed in Alapere Crash As LASTMA’s Swift Intervention Averts Mob Violence
By ROTAMediaNews
A fatal road accident involving a tanker and a dispatch rider at the Motorways inward Estate axis of Alapere has claimed one life, with officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) credited for preventing a further escalation of violence at the scene.
According to preliminary reports, the tragic incident occurred when the driver of an empty NIPCO tanker, reportedly travelling at high speed, rammed into a moving dispatch rider. The impact was severe, resulting in the immediate death of the rider.
The incident triggered outrage among fellow dispatch riders in the area, who quickly mobilised and attempted to attack the tanker driver. However, LASTMA officers responded promptly, arriving at the scene in time to prevent the situation from deteriorating into mob violence.
Demonstrating professionalism and restraint, the officials successfully rescued the injured tanker driver from the angry crowd. He was subsequently handed over to the Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS), which transported him to a nearby hospital for urgent medical treatment.
Security was further reinforced with the swift deployment of personnel from the Nigeria Police Force, Alausa Division, who helped disperse the agitated crowd and restore order in the area.
Reacting to the incident, LASTMA General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, expressed condolences to the family of the deceased rider, describing the loss as deeply unfortunate.
He also issued a stern warning to tanker drivers and motorists to adhere strictly to speed limits and traffic regulations, stressing that reckless driving remains a leading cause of avoidable road accidents in Lagos.
“This tragic incident underscores the urgent need for increased vigilance and collective responsibility among all road users. Safety on our roads is a shared duty,” he said.
The damaged tanker and the wreckage of the dispatch motorcycle have since been handed over to the police, while investigations are ongoing to determine the full circumstances surrounding the crash and ensure appropriate legal action.
