(PHOTO) 11 Die as Vehicle Falls Off Lagos–Abeokuta Bridge

At least 11 people have lost their lives in a tragic road accident after a vehicle plunged off the Eruku Bridge along the busy Lagos–Abeokuta Expressway in Ogun State, throwing families and residents into mourning.

The fatal crash, which occurred late Sunday night, involved a gold Toyota vehicle with registration number GGE 722 KJ. According to eyewitness accounts and preliminary investigations, the vehicle reportedly somersaulted several times before crashing off the bridge and trapping all occupants inside.

The Ogun State Sector Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) confirmed that all 11 occupants of the vehicle — comprising 10 adult males and one adult female — died instantly in the accident.

In a statement issued by the command, the FRSC disclosed that the impact of the crash caused the vehicle’s doors to lock, making escape impossible for the victims.

“The incident involved a gold Toyota vehicle with registration number GGE722KJ, which somersaulted and fell off the bridge, trapping the occupants inside as the doors locked upon impact,” the statement read.

Emergency responders from the FRSC Itori Unit Command were immediately mobilized to the scene following distress calls from residents and motorists along the expressway.

The rescue operation reportedly lasted several hours, as officials and local volunteers worked together to dismantle parts of the badly damaged vehicle before the bodies of the victims could be recovered.

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Authorities confirmed that the remains of the deceased were deposited at the State Specialist Hospital morgue in Ifo, Ogun State.

Preliminary findings by the FRSC suggested that overloading and possible driving under the influence of alcohol may have contributed to the fatal crash.

Officials also suspect that excessive speed and poor visibility during nighttime travel may have worsened the incident, although full investigations are still ongoing.

Reacting to the tragedy, the Ogun State Sector Commander of the FRSC, Corps Commander Oludare Ogunjobi, expressed condolences to the families of the victims and urged motorists travelling along the Lagos–Abeokuta corridor to drive carefully, particularly during night journeys.

“Travellers on the Abeokuta–Lagos route should exercise extreme caution, especially when driving at night,” Ogunjobi advised.

He also warned drivers against speeding, reckless driving, overloading and operating vehicles under the influence of alcohol or intoxicating substances.

The tragic accident has once again renewed concerns over the increasing rate of fatal road crashes along major highways in Ogun State and other parts of Nigeria.

The Lagos–Abeokuta Expressway remains one of the busiest road corridors in southwestern Nigeria, recording frequent accidents involving commercial vehicles, heavy-duty trucks and private motorists.

Road safety experts have repeatedly blamed poor vehicle maintenance, reckless driving, fatigue, overloading and disregard for traffic regulations as major causes of deadly highway crashes across the country.

Data from the FRSC shows that night travel continues to account for a significant percentage of fatal road accidents in Nigeria due to reduced visibility, speeding and driver fatigue. (frsc.gov.ng)

Residents around the Eruku Bridge area reportedly described the accident scene as horrifying, with many expressing shock over the scale of the tragedy.

Some eyewitnesses said the vehicle appeared to have lost control before veering off the bridge, although authorities have yet to officially confirm the exact cause of the crash.

The incident adds to a growing list of deadly accidents recorded in Ogun State in recent months, prompting renewed calls for stricter enforcement of traffic laws and improved road safety awareness campaigns nationwide.

(PHOTO) 11 Die as Vehicle Falls Off Lagos–Abeokuta Bridge

Fake Pastors Arrested in Anambra Assisting Investigators — Soludo

Chukwuma Soludo has disclosed that several suspected fake pastors arrested in Anambra State are currently in custody and assisting investigators with what he described as “useful confessions,” as his administration intensifies its crackdown on religious exploitation and social vices.

The Anambra State Governor made the remarks on Sunday during a public engagement at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Awka, during the All Knights Day celebration of the Catholic Diocese of Awka.

Soludo explained that the ongoing enforcement action targeting alleged fake pastors and spiritual operators forms part of a broader social reformation agenda aimed at protecting residents from deception, fraud, and abuse of religious influence.

“The action forms part of our mission to build a new Anambra free from deception and social vices,” he said, adding that the government remains committed to promoting discipline, order, and social responsibility.

According to him, the suspects arrested during recent operations are already “assisting investigators with useful confessions” while in custody, as security agencies continue their investigations.

The governor stressed that the crackdown is not directed at genuine religious leaders or faith-based organisations, but at individuals allegedly using religion as a cover for criminal activity and exploitation of vulnerable citizens.

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He reiterated that leadership must always favour truth, justice, and social reform, urging political and community leaders to show courage in implementing difficult but necessary reforms.

Soludo also commended the Catholic Diocese of Awka for its contributions to moral development and community service, describing the church as a key partner in promoting the common good and resisting societal decay.

He further praised the impact of the Anambra State Burial Law, noting that it has helped reduce excessive spending on funerals across communities and encouraged more modest and meaningful celebrations of life.

According to him, the policy has promoted what he called “decent burial culture” while easing financial pressure on families.

“The law has encouraged befitting living and decent burial for our people,” Soludo said.

The governor also approved support for charitable outreach programmes organised by the Knights, encouraging them to continue visiting orphanages and engaging in humanitarian service.

He urged them to remain “the light of the world” by sustaining their commitment to discipline, service, and moral leadership.

In his homily, the Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor, described knighthood as a call to discipline, accountability, and sober reflection.

Represented by the Diocesan Secretary, Rev. Fr. Evaristus Iheanacho, the bishop urged members of the Knights to remain humble, avoid elitism, and stay connected to the needs of ordinary people.

“They must preserve their moral voice while remaining connected to society,” he said.

The event comes amid heightened enforcement actions by the Anambra State Government against suspected fake spiritual leaders, native doctors, and individuals accused of promoting fraudulent practices under religious or traditional cover.

Security agencies in the state have recently stepped up operations as part of efforts to tackle fraud, cultism, ritual-related crimes, and other forms of social misconduct.

Fake Pastors Arrested in Anambra Assisting Investigators — Soludo

Oyetola Lauded as FG Expands Gbongan–Akoda Road Project to Osogbo

Stakeholders in Osogboland, Osun State, have praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the reconstruction of two major highways considered vital to the economic growth and infrastructural development of the state capital and surrounding communities.

The stakeholders commended the approval of the Osogbo–Iwo–Ibadan Road and the Osogbo–Akoda–Gbongan Road, describing the projects as strategic interventions that would improve transportation and regional connectivity across the South-West.

The appreciation was led by the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun, alongside prominent sons, daughters, and community leaders in Osogboland.

Their position was contained in a statement issued by the Asiwaju of Osogboland, Justice Moshud Adekunle Adeigbe.

The stakeholders also applauded the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, for his role in facilitating the approval and expansion of the road projects to include Osogbo communities.

According to the statement, the reconstruction of the roads would ease the movement of goods and passengers, improve access to commercial hubs, and strengthen economic activities within Osun State and neighbouring states.

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They noted that the projects would also attract investors, create employment opportunities, and stimulate trade across the affected areas.

The group particularly acknowledged Oyetola’s intervention in securing the inclusion of the Osogbo axis in the Gbongan–Akoda Road project.

They explained that the project was initially planned as a 29-kilometre road but was later extended to 57.9 kilometres to accommodate the Osogbo corridor, a development they described as beneficial to a larger population.

The stakeholders added that the road reconstruction projects align with the Federal Government’s infrastructure renewal drive and would further promote regional integration and socio-economic development.

“The reconstruction of these roads will significantly boost business activities, promote commerce, and improve the quality of life of residents across the affected communities,” the statement read.

The people of Osogbo also offered prayers for the success of President Tinubu’s administration, expressing confidence in his commitment to improving the welfare of Nigerians through strategic infrastructure projects.

They reaffirmed their support for initiatives aimed at accelerating growth and development in Osun State and across the country.

Oyetola Lauded as FG Expands Gbongan–Akoda Road Project to Osogbo