Ojodu Accident: Only two students died; Lagos authorities clarify as it sympathizes

By Mercy Ben-Kalio, Doris Israel, Favour Odimnfe, and Aderayo Olusanya 

The Executive Chairman of Ojodu Local Council Development Area, Odunmbaku ‘Segun, claimed that two students died while 12 others were injured compared to previously reported figures which listed various numbers including 15. 

According to a statement titled Events of fatal motor/pedestrian accident at Ojodu involving students, Mr Segun said: “Unfortunately, as a result of the accident, two students were confirmed dead on the spot. The identity of the deceased is revealed below: 1. Adedoyin Adebayo; 2. Akpolebi Israel. 

“Asides from the two deceased, seven females and five males totalling 12 victims also sustained varying degrees of injuries,” he said. He explained that on December 7, 2021, at about 02:15 pm, a DAF truck with Registration No. APP 438 YA driven by one ‘Bolaji Kabiru’ rammed into some pedestrians at Grammar School Bus Stop along Ogunnusi Road later identified as students of Bab Fafunwa Millennium School, Ojodu Junior Grammar School, Omole Junior High School. 

He revealed that corpses of the dead students have been evacuated with the support of officers of the Federal Road Safety Corps and were deposited at the Morgue of the Mainland Hospital, Yaba, for autopsy.  

He said further: “As of now, we can confirm that all the injured students are in stable conditions and are receiving medical attention at the following Hospitals: God’s Apple City Hospital, Ojodu Berger; Royan Hospital, Aina Street Ojodu; St. Michael Hospital, Ojodu; and Lagos State Emergency Hospital, Toll Gate, Ojota.” 

He also said that the erring driver has been apprehended and is in police custody. 

“My heart is broken” 

Following the incident, angry students who were later joined by hoodlums set the accidented vehicle ablaze, vandalised the Ojodu Police Station, operational vehicles of the men of Nigeria Police Force, the Vehicle Inspection Service, and some private articulated vehicles along Ogunnusi road. 

“My heart is broken for the families and friends of students who lost their lives in this horrible accident. This is a devastating tragedy, my thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by the horrible accident.  “My heartfelt condolences to the victims’ families. May God grant them the fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss. While I give assurances that justice will be done, we have also commenced proper examination and analysis of the survivors. 

“I implore us all to maintain the peace and remain calm, rather than take to wanton destruction of properties and facilities let us remember the bereaved families in prayer, allow the police to carry out a thorough investigation, and avoid seeking self-help. 

“I appeal that we respect the family’s privacy. There’s a need for calm at this trying time,” he pleaded.

Sanwo-Olu Empathises, Assures Best Treatment 

Meanwhile, the Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, commiserated with the parents who lost their children in the incident. He prayed that the Lord will comfort them. 

He empathised with the parents and guardians of other students in the State Health facilities, assuring them of the best medical attention. 

On behalf of the Governor, Commissioner for Education, Mrs Folasade Adefisayo, who was at the Babs Fafunwa Millennium Senior Grammar School, Ojodu, described the incident as “quite unfortunate” and “devastating”. She has also visited medical centres where the students are being treated. 

Other officials who have also visited the students at the various health centres from last night until this moment include the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Mr Abayomi Abolaji, Directors of the Ministry, District Quality Assurance Officials and the School’s management. 

Students of the schools have been asked to stay at home until January 2022. 

Meanwhile, arrangements are being made for trauma counselling sessions for students and teachers physically and via helplines. 

Mrs Adefisayo said: “We are working with professional counsellors and trauma experts to support us in helping students and teachers pass through this challenging time”. 

The Honourable member, Lagos State House of Assembly (representing Ikeja II), Mr Adedamola Kasunmu, Ojodu LCDA Executive Chairman, Mr David Olusegun Odunmbaku, representative of the Chairman, National Union of Teachers (NUT), Lagos State Chapter, Comrade Alase Sakirudeen Adekunle and representatives of the Parents Forum have also visited the schools.

NIJVoice confirmed that normalcy has since returned to the area.