Dare Babalola
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has announced the tragic demise of one of its officers and two civilians in a fatal road accident that occurred at Badagry Roundabout, Seme, on Monday, February 23, 2026.
The incident was confirmed in a statement issued by Adebayo Taofiq, Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA on Tuesday.
The tragic incident involved a truck belonging to the Dangote Group, and has once again drawn attention to the risks faced daily by traffic officers and other road users across Lagos.
According to preliminary reports, a fully loaded SHACMAN truck owned by the company reportedly suffered a catastrophic brake failure while travelling at high speed. The driver subsequently lost control of the vehicle.
The runaway truck struck a LASTMA officer directing traffic at the roundabout and a pedestrian, causing fatal injuries. It then collided with another individual, resulting in their death, before stopping about 200 metres away from the initial impact point.
The driver fled the scene but was later apprehended by other LASTMA personnel and handed over to the police for further investigation.
Emergency responders, including officials of LASTMA, officers from the Badagry Police Division, personnel of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and concerned residents, were swiftly mobilised to the scene.
The victims were rushed to the General Hospital, Badagry, where they were pronounced dead.
The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki, expressed deep sorrow over the incident and extended condolences to the families of the deceased.
“This is a heartbreaking incident and our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims during this incredibly difficult time,” he said.
He described the fallen officer as a dedicated public servant who paid the ultimate price in the line of duty.
“We honour his courage, professionalism and unwavering commitment to his duty,” Bakare-Oki added.
The LASTMA boss stressed the urgent need for haulage and logistics companies to prioritise routine vehicle maintenance, particularly braking systems.
“This tragedy is a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of mechanical failures,” he said. “We implore all haulage operators and logistics companies to implement rigorous and regular maintenance checks to prevent such avoidable accidents.”
The accident vehicle has been impounded and handed over to the Badagry Police Division for forensic examination.
LASTMA assured the public that it would collaborate closely with relevant agencies to ensure that justice is served and to reinforce safety standards across Lagos road corridors.
