A devastating accident occurred on Friday, May 23, 2025, along the newly rehabilitated Ikangba/Agoro road in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, when a truck lost control and rammed into a group of students from Seico Secondary School, Ikangba.
The students were returning home after sitting for their West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), a critical academic test for senior secondary school students across West Africa.
Tragically, the collision resulted in the immediate death of a female student who was reportedly still holding her examination question papers at the time of the crash. Another female student was critically injured in the accident and rushed to a nearby hospital where her condition remains serious. Eyewitnesses described a scene of chaos and sorrow as other students and residents gathered to assist and mourn the victims.
Mr. Eko Nicholas, chairman of the Ogun State chapter of the Campaign for Democratic and Workers Rights (CDWR), spoke to Punch about the incident, shedding light on the circumstances surrounding the crash. According to him, the truck was traveling from the Molipa end of the road when it suddenly veered off course, striking the group of students who were walking in the opposite direction. The vehicle finally crashed into the fence of a Redeemed Christian Church of God located beside the road, causing extensive damage.
“The cause of the truck’s sudden loss of control remains unclear. No one understands what made the driver veer off the road at that particular moment,” Mr. Nicholas explained. He also confirmed that the students involved were clearly those who had just taken the ongoing WASSCE, as many were seen clutching their question papers immediately after the accident.
The human rights activist expressed deep concern over the increasing frequency of accidents on the Ikangba/Agoro road since its recent rehabilitation. Despite the improved road conditions, the number of traffic-related fatalities has been rising alarmingly. Since February of this year alone, at least six lives have been lost on this stretch of road, with numerous others sustaining injuries.
Mr. Nicholas attributed the rise in accidents largely to the government’s failure to install vital safety measures such as speed bumps or road barriers that could regulate vehicle speeds and prevent reckless driving. “The absence of speed breakers or any form of traffic calming infrastructure on this road has emboldened drivers to speed recklessly, putting pedestrians and other road users at grave risk,” he said.
He further urged the Ogun State government to take immediate action by constructing speed breakers and installing streetlights to enhance visibility and safety, particularly because the road is frequented daily by many schoolchildren traveling to and from several nearby schools. “This is not the first time we are calling on the government to address these safety concerns, but sadly, no tangible steps have been taken. We pray that no more lives are lost before urgent measures are implemented,” Mr. Nicholas added.
The tragic accident was confirmed by Babatunde Akinbiyi, the Public Relations Officer of the Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency (TRACE). He confirmed that TRACE officers at the scene responded promptly but lamented the loss of the student’s life. “Our officers have confirmed the unfortunate incident. We extend our condolences to the family of the deceased and wish the injured student a speedy recovery,” he stated.
This heartbreaking event serves as a somber reminder of the urgent need for improved road safety infrastructure, especially in areas where vulnerable groups such as schoolchildren frequently travel. It also highlights the broader issue of road traffic safety and the critical role of government intervention in preventing avoidable tragedies.