Tragedy averted in Lagos as truck skids off road

Lagosians were yesterday spared another round of agony as a truck carrying wheat skidded off the road near the Abalti Barracks, causing the truck to spill its contents and hit a commercial vehicle.
  
The incident occurred in the early hours of yesterday, leading to traffic congestion for commuters going towards Yaba and Mushin.

As at 10:30a.m. the road was still congested and the two vehicles were yet to be towed away, even though officials of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) were already at the scene.

Meanwhile, the Lagos State Task Force has ordered immediate release of vehicles impounded, over traffic offence on learning of alleged touting, reported by members of the public against the unit.

Seven vehicles were released to their respective owners, while others were informed to report at the unit office for proper identification and other processes.

Chairman of the task force, CSP Olayinka Egbeyemi, who paid an unscheduled working visit to the traffic park yard released those vehicles to their owners, despite various traffic offenses committed, which included driving against traffic, driving on BRT lane, obstructions among others.

The offenders all pleaded for mercy and admitted their wrongdoings.

Egbeyemi stated that his decision to free those vehicles was to prove that the state government do not want hardship but will never tolerate lawlessness from members of the public.

He explained that the action was also to inform Lagosians that the state government does not encourage touting or bribery and the agency would take action against any of its officers found guilty of such crime.

One of the freed vehicles’ owner before leaving the traffic yard in Ikorodu blamed his illegal act on passengers, but vowed noto succumb to pressure in the future.

Besides, one Segun Olusoga, a taxi driver, claimed that a passenger he had in his vehicle pleaded with him to maneuver traffic that she was late for appointment.

“I drive Toyota Corolla car with registration number AGL 136 BH.

In the process of trying to satisfy my client, I maneuvered traffic and was caught but to my surprise the passenger eventually left me with my problem.”

The case of Akinpelu Atanda with plate number KSF 10 FB was similar as he admitted to wrongdoing and pleaded not to repeat.