Ondo Tragedy: Government says investigation of truck ownership ongoing
Kayode Ajulo, the attorney general and commissioner for justice, says the Ondo government has begun investigations into the ownership of the truck involved in a fatal crash that claimed eight lives.
Mr Ajulo disclosed this in a statement on Friday.
The attorney general, who expressed outrage over the crash, said that the Ondo government will prosecute the truck driver and his employers once they are unveiled.
The road crash that occurred in the Akungba-Akoko area on Wednesday claimed the lives of 10 people, including a pregnant woman.
The crash involved a truck that allegedly lost control and rammed into some shops along the Owo-Akungba-Ikare Akoko expressway, killing the victims on the spot.
The attorney general said the investigation is aimed at identifying the truck’s owner before prosecution can commence.
Mr Ajulo said, “Whoever owned the truck will be fished out and will be joined in the prosecution.”
He expressed anger over the alarming rise in fatal accidents involving trucks and other heavy-duty vehicles across Nigeria and in Ondo.
Mr Ajulo condemned the reckless driving displayed by heavy truck drivers, declaring that such behaviour is utterly unacceptable and must be confronted immediately.
He reaffirmed Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding Ondo residents on the roads.
“Enough is enough. The loss of lives due to criminal negligence can no longer go unchecked. From this moment forward, both the drivers involved in these horrific incidents and the company itself will be held vicariously liable. We will prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law for this criminal negligence.”
The attorney general called for an urgent and thorough review of operational protocols of truck owners, including compliance with safety regulations and the training provided to truck drivers nationwide.
Mr Ajulo urged the public to be vigilant and report any reckless driving incidents involving heavy-duty trucks, assuring that the state government remained committed to taking all necessary measures to enforce road safety and protect lives.
He commiserated with the families of the deceased, assuring them that they would get justice.
(NAN)
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