Fiditi, Oyo State – A tragic road accident on Sunday evening claimed the lives of two middle-aged individuals when a trailer crushed them along the new Ibadan/Oyo expressway in Fiditi, Afijio Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The horrific incident, which occurred just outside Fiditi town, has sparked renewed concern over the dangerous condition of Nigerian highways and the increasing frequency of avoidable road crashes. According to eyewitnesses, the driver of the articulated vehicle swerved suddenly in an attempt to avoid a pothole, veering into the path of the victims—two individuals who were reportedly returning from a trip to Ibadan.
Eyewitnesses at the scene recounted the gruesome moment the trailer ran over a motorcycle carrying the victims. One of the bystanders, who spoke to PUNCH Online under anonymity, described the panic that followed the incident.
“The trailer driver was trying to dodge some potholes. In that moment, he lost control and crushed the motorcycle. The man riding the motorcycle died instantly. The woman who was with him was rushed to a nearby hospital, but sadly, she died a few hours later,” the witness said.
Trailer Kills Two in Oyo State Accident
Trailer was revealed that both victims were traveling together, possibly returning home after a visit to the state capital. Their identities have not been disclosed, but both were described as middle-aged.
This latest tragedy adds to the growing toll of fatalities on Nigerian roads, particularly involving large commercial vehicles and poor road conditions.
When contacted for an official response, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Oyo State confirmed the incident. Deputy Corps Commander for Operations, Bayode Olugbesan, acknowledged the accident but clarified the reporting process around such fatalities.
“As of yesterday, only one death was officially confirmed. However, our officers have embarked on a hospital follow-up. We cannot pronounce a victim dead until it is certified by a medical professional,” Olugbesan told reporters on Monday in Ibadan.
He further emphasized that the FRSC is continuing to gather full details from the hospital where the second victim was taken. As such, the number of fatalities is subject to medical confirmation, although reports from eyewitnesses strongly suggest both individuals have passed away.
This tragic incident once again highlights the dangerous state of many Nigerian highways, especially in Oyo State. The new Ibadan/Oyo expressway, though improved in sections, continues to be riddled with potholes, uneven surfaces, and poor signage—conditions that have contributed to numerous fatal crashes.
Local residents in Fiditi and surrounding towns have long called for urgent repairs and more robust traffic regulation on this stretch of road, which serves as a vital link between major cities in the region.
In many cases, large vehicles such as trailers and tankers pose a heightened risk due to their size, weight, and poor maneuverability. When these vehicles are forced to swerve suddenly to avoid potholes or other hazards, the consequences can be catastrophic.
News of the fatal crash quickly spread through Fiditi and nearby areas, prompting grief and anger among residents. Several community leaders and road safety advocates have called on both the federal and state governments to take immediate action.
“It’s unacceptable that people are dying simply because our roads are in such bad shape. This was preventable,” said one local activist.
“How many more lives must be lost before something is done? The government must fix the roads and enforce stricter safety regulations for heavy-duty vehicles.”
Residents also urged the FRSC and police to increase patrols in accident-prone zones and to launch public awareness campaigns focused on motorcycle safety and defensive driving.
As the investigation continues and the FRSC awaits full medical confirmation of the second fatality, the case serves as another grim reminder of the price of poor infrastructure and insufficient road safety enforcement.
With many families relying on motorcycles as a primary mode of transportation and trailers dominating major roadways, incidents like this are becoming tragically common. The loss of two lives in Fiditi is not just a local issue—it’s part of a national crisis that demands urgent attention.
Source- Punchng
