A mother and her child have been crushed to death by earth-moving equipment in the Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State during a road rehabilitation.

The grader, owned by the local government, which was working on a road along the Olujewu-Igbatoro road in the Ute axis of the council, rammed into the victims after suffering brake failure.

According to sources, the mother and her child, whose identities were yet to be ascertained as of press time, were on their way to the farm when the incident occurred.

While confirming the incident, the Chairman of the council, Kolapo Ojo, who described the incident as regrettable, stated that a full investigation into the cause of the mechanical failure had commenced.

The council boss said, “It is with profound sorrow and a heavy heart that I, Hon. Barr. Clement Kolapo Ojo, Chairman of Ose Local Government Area, address the people of the Ute community and the entire local government over the deeply saddening incident that claimed the lives of a beloved mother and her young child along the Olujewu–Igbatoro Road.

“The tragic accident, which occurred as a result of brake failure in a grader owned by the local government and deployed for road rehabilitation under our rural development programme, has brought great pain to all of us. What was intended as a noble effort to improve access and infrastructure within the community has now become a moment of intense grief.

“This is a loss that touches us all, not just as a government, but as members of one human family. A hard-working mother and her innocent child set out for the farm like on any other day, only to have their lives cut short in the most heartbreaking way. No words can adequately express the sadness and regret we feel as a government and as a people.

“As soon as the incident was reported, officials from Ose Local Government promptly visited the scene to offer condolences to the grieving family, stand in solidarity with the Ute community, and assess the situation directly. This visit was not merely symbolic; it was a sincere act of compassion and responsibility.”

Ojo assured residents in the area that the LG secretariat is not taking the matter lightly, adding that a full investigation into the cause of the mechanical failure have already begun.
He said, “We are reviewing all safety protocols to ensure that such a devastating occurrence never repeats itself. The safety of our people will always be a top priority.

“We recognise the unimaginable pain this has caused the immediate family, and we are committed to providing support—emotionally, morally, and where necessary, materially. Their grief is our grief, and their pain is one we share collectively as a community.

“On behalf of the Ose Local Government Council and the good people of the entire local government area, I extend my deepest condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones of the deceased, as well as to the entire Ute community. May the Almighty comfort you, strengthen you, and grant eternal rest to the departed souls.”