The Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority (OYRTMA) has expressed deep concern over the growing disregard for traffic regulations, following two tragic incidents that occurred in Ibadan — one of which resulted in a fatality, while the other left a pedestrian seriously injured.
In a statement released on Sunday by the Chairman of OYRTMA, Dr. Adekoya Adesagba, the agency confirmed that a fatal accident occurred at Agbarigo, Mokola area of Ibadan, involving a TVS motorcycle with registration number LUY 306 UT.
The crash tragically claimed one life, while two other victims sustained various degrees of injuries. According to Adesagba, the Authority’s emergency rescue team responded swiftly to the scene, providing immediate assistance and conveying the injured to the Oyo State Hospital, Ring Road, for urgent medical care.
Notably, OYRTMA operatives also recovered and safeguarded personal effects belonging to the victims, including a bag containing a substantial sum of money. These belongings were later handed over to the victims’ family, underscoring the agency’s commitment to integrity and responsible public service.
In a separate but equally alarming incident, a tricycle rider driving against traffic (popularly referred to as “one-way”) struck a pedestrian, Mr. Oladayo Adisa, while he was attempting to cross the road near a petrol station in Ibadan on Thursday morning. The impact left Mr. Adisa with severe facial injuries and in need of immediate medical attention. The accident, according to the OYRTMA Chairman, was caused by the recklessness of the tricyclist, who was speeding and flouting road laws.
Dr. Adesagba did not mince words in condemning the irresponsible act. “The tricycle operator blatantly violated traffic rules, endangering innocent lives. Such conduct is not only unlawful but a grave threat to public safety,” he said. He also criticized the rider for showing no remorse, with eyewitnesses revealing that he claimed he had no money to assist the injured pedestrian.
Thankfully, OYRTMA officers, in collaboration with the manager of the nearby filling station, acted swiftly to rush the injured man to the hospital. Upon regaining consciousness, Mr. Adisa expressed gratitude to the rescue team for their timely intervention.
He also appealed to the Authority to impose stricter penalties on traffic offenders. “If OYRTMA catches any rider going against traffic, they should not release them until they are prosecuted in court,” he said.
The Chairman used both incidents to highlight the dangers of increasing non-compliance with traffic laws, particularly the menace of driving against traffic. He emphasized that despite continuous public sensitization and enforcement efforts by the Oyo State government, some road users remain negligent and persist in putting lives at risk.
He reiterated that the government will not condone such reckless behaviour and assured the public that OYRTMA would intensify enforcement to ensure that offenders are brought to book.
“We are fully committed to enforcing all traffic regulations and ensuring that violators face the consequences of their actions. Public safety remains our top priority,” he stated.
Adesagba concluded by commending the Oyo State Government for its continued investments in road safety initiatives. He called for collective responsibility from all stakeholders, urging the public to support the efforts of traffic authorities and adhere strictly to traffic laws.
“Only through cooperation and shared accountability can we make our roads safer for everyone,” he affirmed.