Two Bodies Recovered as Car Plunges Into River Along Ibadan’s Amuloko Road

IBADAN – The Oyo State Fire Services Agency has recovered the bodies of two passengers after a car plunged into the Ariyo River along the Amuloko area of Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, in a tragic accident that has renewed concerns over road safety in the region.

The victims were recovered from the river in the Ona Ara Local Government Area on Friday, May 29, 2026, following a complex rescue operation by officials of the agency. The vehicle involved was identified as a Toyota Avensis with no identifiable registration number, which was said to have lost control before veering off the road and plunging into the water.

Confirming the incident on Saturday, May 30, the Chairman of the Oyo State Fire Services Agency, Maroof Akinwande, disclosed that the agency received a distress call at exactly 21:40 hours (9:40 PM) on Friday and immediately deployed a rescue team to the scene. Firefighters led by ACFS Amoo arrived to find the vehicle completely submerged in the river and promptly commenced rescue operations.

“On arrival, it was confirmed that the vehicle had swerved off the road and submerged in the river. The rescue team immediately commenced operations by applying all necessary rescue procedures and successfully recovered two casualties from the vehicle,” Akinwande said.

He added that the bodies were subsequently handed over to officers of the Nigeria Police Force from Ogbere Divisional Police Headquarters for further action. “The victims were handed over to officers of the Nigeria Police Force led by ASP Adesuwa Sesan from Ogbere Target Police Station, Ibadan, for further necessary action,” he stated.

READ ALSO:

• Iran to US: No Nuclear Deal Without Guarantee of Our Rights
• Stop Using Videos to Harass Our Officers — IGP Disu Tells Nigerians
• Three Man O’ War Members Arrested Over Killing of FUTO Student

According to Akinwande, preliminary post-incident investigations indicated that the cause of the accident was overspeeding and brake failure. The rescue operation was concluded at approximately 01:19 hours (1:19 AM) on Saturday, after which the crew returned to base and remained on operational standby.

The fire service chairman used the opportunity to urge members of the public to be more safety conscious, especially around festive periods. He also advised motorists to ensure all parts of their vehicles are functioning properly and cautioned against overspeeding to prevent avoidable tragedies.

Dr. Akinwande further encouraged the public to promptly report fire or rescue emergencies, provide accurate addresses, and contact the Fire Service through the following emergency lines: 08067439223, 08054353501, or 615 (toll-free).

The identities of the deceased had yet to be disclosed as of the time of reporting, while the circumstances surrounding the crash remain under investigation by the police. This incident follows a similar tragedy in March 2026, when three bodies were recovered, and five persons were rescued after a commercial bus plunged into the same Ariyo River along Amuloko Road, highlighting persistent road safety challenges in the area.

Two Bodies Recovered as Car Plunges Into River Along Ibadan’s Amuloko Road