In a tragic incident in the Abule Egba area of Lagos State, a woman identified as Mrs. Bisi Raji lost her life on Tuesday during a clash between police officers and commercial motorcyclists. Mrs. Raji, aged 67, was returning from a hospital appointment when a tipper reportedly ran over her head amid the chaotic confrontation.
Eyewitnesses revealed that the fatal incident occurred as police officers clashed with commercial motorcyclists, commonly known as okada riders. According to a resident, the tipper accident claimed Mrs. Raji’s life instantly, and her body remained on the roadside for hours until the police arrived to retrieve it.
The deceased’s cousin, Tosin Lawal, disclosed that Mrs. Raji was affected by teargas fired by the police task force enforcing the ban on okada riders in Lagos. Lawal explained that the teargas caused chaos, reducing visibility, and Mrs. Raji, in shock and pain, fell out of a tricycle. Unfortunately, a truck ran over her, resulting in the tragic loss of life.
Lawal expressed sadness over the incident, criticizing the police for continuing to seize bikes after such a tragic event. The family later retrieved Mrs. Raji’s body and conducted her burial in the evening at her residence in the Isawo area of Ikorodu, following Islamic rites.
Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the incident, stating that preliminary investigations revealed the police officers used teargas to disperse a crowd of motorcycle riders who were about to mob them. He explained that a passenger in a tricycle panicked and jumped out, leading to the fatal accident involving a Leyland tipper.
The driver of the tipper fled the scene, but the vehicle was recovered. Hundeyin assured that contact had been made with the deceased’s family, and a full investigation into the incident is underway. The tragic event has reignited concerns about the enforcement of the ban on okada riders and the potential risks associated with such operations.
