Police attribute fatal Lagos-Ibadan crash to speeding driver

The Oyo State Police Command has blamed a tragic traffic collision involving many cars and pedestrians at Soka Junction in Ibadan on reckless driving and high speed.

The event occurred on Saturday night along the popular Ibadan-Lagos Expressway in Oluyole Local Government Area, claiming two lives and injuring numerous others, causing alarm among motorists and residents.

According to a statement made on Sunday by Police Public Relations Officer Olayinka Ayanlade, the collision occurred about 10:10 p.m.

According to him, preliminary investigations indicated that a white HOWO truck with registration number Gombe GEM 696 XE, driven by Abdullahi Bashiru, lost control due to excessive speed and reckless driving. The truck subsequently rammed into other vehicles and pedestrians.

“The Oyo State Police Command is aware of a tragic multiple-vehicle and pedestrian accident that occurred at Soka Junction, Ibadan, along the Ibadan–Lagos Expressway on Saturday, April 4, 2026, at about 22:10 hours.

“The command regrets to confirm that two persons lost their lives, while several others sustained varying degrees of injuries. The accident also involved and damaged multiple vehicles, including a Toyota Venza and a BMW, among others.

“Preliminary findings reveal that the accident was caused by a white HOWO truck with registration number Gombe GEM 696 XE, driven by Abdullahi Bashiru. The driver reportedly lost control of the vehicle due to reckless driving and excessive speed, ramming into other vehicles and pedestrians,” the statement read.

The police noted that several vehicles, including a Toyota Venza and a BMW, were damaged in the crash.

The Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Abimbola, commiserated with the families of the deceased and wished those injured a speedy recovery.

“The Commissioner of Police commiserates with the families of the deceased and prays for the quick recovery of the injured victims.

“The command wishes to assure the general public that a thorough investigation has commenced to ascertain the full circumstances surrounding the incident and to ensure that justice is served,” Ayanlade added.

He urged motorists to exercise caution, adhere strictly to traffic regulations, and avoid speeding to prevent similar tragedies.

The command reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding lives and property, while encouraging residents to cooperate with security agencies by providing timely and useful information.