Dare Babalola
The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Ondo State, Dr. Olukayode Ajulo, has vowed to track down the owner of a truck that claimed the lives of 10 people, including a pregnant woman, in the Akungba-Akoko area of the state on Wednesday.
The crash involved a truck that allegedly lost control and rammed into some shops along the Owo-Akungba-Ikare Akoko expressway, killing the victims on the spot.
In a statement in Lagos on Friday, Ajulo assured that the state government will leave no stone unturned in bringing the perpetrator to justice, stating that the owner of the truck will be fished out and made to face the full wrath of the law.
“In the controversy over ownership of the truck, what is inhuman is that the owner should have at least commiserated with families of the dead but chose to be silent,” he said.
Ajulo stated that an investigation is underway to identify the truck’s owner, after which prosecution will begin.
“This is due to the controversy surrounding ownership of the truck, with many media houses initially reporting that it was owned by the Dangote Group.
“Whoever owned the truck will be fished out and will be joined in the prosecution,” he said.
He voiced concern and anger over the increasing number of fatal accidents involving trucks and heavy-duty vehicles in Nigeria, particularly in Ondo State.
“These tragic incidents have claimed the lives of innocent citizens, including this recent devastating crash that took the lives of a pregnant woman, her child, and others,” he said.
Ajulo condemned the reckless driving displayed by heavy truck drivers, declaring that such behaviour is utterly unacceptable and must be confronted immediately.
The justice commissioner reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to safeguard Ondo state residents on the roads.
“Enough is enough. The loss of lives due to criminal negligence can no longer go unchecked. From this moment forward, both the drivers involved in these horrific incidents and the company itself will be held vicariously liable. We will prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law for this criminal negligence,” he said.
The attorney general called for an urgent and thorough review of operational protocols of truck owners, including compliance with safety regulations and the training provided to truck drivers nationwide.
He urged the public to be vigilant and report any reckless driving incidents involving heavy-duty trucks, assuring that the state government remained committed to taking all necessary measures to enforce road safety and protect lives.
“The lives of our people are paramount. We will not allow profit to take precedence over safety.
“As the community grapples with its grief, the clamour for stricter regulations and accountability among commercial transport operators grows louder, demanding that such senseless tragedies be prevented in the future,” he said.
He commiserated with the families of the deceased, assuring them that they would get justice.
