Pedestrian crushed to death on Lagos highway

Monday, August 11, 2025 - A man was crushed to death yesterday by a commercial bus while crossing the road in the Oshodi area of Lagos State.The incident occurred at about noon near Ewenla Bus Stop, causing heavy traffic in the area. Witnesses said the bus, with registration number Lagos FKJ 760 YG, struck the victim as he crossed from the Apapa-Oshodi side of the road to the other side.

The man, dressed in a deep blue shirt and black trousers with a handkerchief in his pocket, was dragged for about 30 metres before the vehicle stopped. The driver, said to have been confused after the incident, fled the scene, abandoning the bus. Two police officers on traffic duty evacuated the body at about 12:51 p.m. in a mini-bus known as a korope.

Meanwhile, commuters in the Gbagada area of Lagos State have renewed calls for the construction of a pedestrian bridge. Residents say at least five people are knocked down in the area every year. The nearest pedestrian bridge, at Olamide Badoo Bus Stop — formerly Charley Boy Bus Stop — is more than a kilometre away from Gbagada Bus Stop.

Taiwo Shonubi told The Guardian: “A lot of people are risking their lives crossing. There are large churches, including Deeper Life and Harvesters International Christian Centre, with large congregations, and people cross to attend church. The area is dangerous to cross, so there should be at least a pedestrian bridge here.

“I have to watch carefully, pay close attention to ensure no vehicles are approaching. It’s time wasting and dangerous crossing. It’s time-consuming and difficult to cross with small children. The government should listen to the people in this area and construct a pedestrian bridge for them.”

Another commuter, Adeola Adebayo, added: “Crossing the road is stressful. I have to remove my shoes to cross and walk a considerable distance. It’s more dangerous with children. Someone weak or ill would find it challenging to cross.

“Drivers do not wait for pedestrians to cross, they can hit anyone and drive away. The government should assist us with a pedestrian bridge.”

When The Guardian reached out to the Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, he said: “There are pedestrian bridges not being used by Lagosians. I was travelling from the Island to Ketu and I only saw three people using some of the bridges. As for Gbagada, those who planned the road did not consider a pedestrian bridge, but now, there is development.’’

“Officials of the Kick Against Indiscipline have a Black Maria stationed in Ojota because people are crossing the road instead of using the bridge. There is a need for Lagosians to use the bridge; they are for humans.”