A heavily loaded truck transporting livestock and food supplies tumbled into a roadside canal along the Osogbo-Ibadan Expressway, claiming two lives. The accident occurred near Oke Ofa in Gbongan, where the vehicle somersaulted after its driver reportedly fell asleep at the wheel. Among the destroyed cargo were Sallah rams, cows, sheep, and bags of onions destined for Ikire from Kebbi State.
Eyewitnesses described the chaotic scene as the truck veered off-course before flipping into the bush. Eighteen passengers were aboard the trailer at the time of the crash. While local residents and security personnel rescued most travelers, the driver and one other individual died instantly from the impact. The surviving victims received immediate assistance from first responders at the site.
Commander Olanrewaju Ismail of Ayedaade’s Amotekun corps confirmed their rapid response to the emergency call. His team collaborated with other agencies to extract trapped survivors from the wreckage. “We recovered two bodies and assisted the injured,” he stated, noting the devastating loss of livestock during the operation. Most animals perished in the crash, compounding the financial toll of the incident.
The disaster has reignited concerns about road safety during long-haul journeys, particularly with overloaded vehicles. Transport unions have repeatedly warned drivers against fatigue-induced trips, especially ahead of festive periods when demand for goods surges. Community leaders near the crash site echoed these concerns while commending the swift rescue efforts.
As investigators examine the wreck for mechanical failures or other contributing factors, traffic officials remind motorists to observe mandatory rest periods. The victims’ families await formal identification of the deceased while mourning their sudden loss. This accident serves as another grim reminder of the human cost behind Nigeria’s bustling interstate trade routes.
Authorities continue to urge stricter enforcement of load limits and driver welfare checks to prevent future tragedies. Meanwhile, the recovered survivors grapple with injuries and trauma, their journey abruptly halted by a preventable catastrophe. The road remains a critical artery for commerce, yet its dangers persist when safety takes a backseat to haste and overloading.