
Two sanitation workers of Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) were early Monday, feared killed by a ‘reckless’ driver in Lagos.
The driver, who is at large, reportedly killed the sweepers who were discharging their duties around the Gbagada expressway axis.
The agency also said security agencies are on the trail of the driver.
Eyewitnesses said the driver was evading arrest when he ran into the LAWMA workers.
Protesters at the scene of the incident, accused officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) of chasing the driver who crushed the LAWMA workers to death.
It was learnt that the two sanitation workers are siblings residing in Ajenipa Street, Ladi-Lak area, Bariga.
Hundreds of motorists and commuters were trapped for hours in the gridlock along Oshodi-Gbagada expressway until normalcy was restored.
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The gridlock had worsened when bystanders blocked both routes of the expressway, causing standstill in vehicular movement.
The influx of vehicles plying the lanes to navigate their destinations inward the expressway created a backlog of traffic that trapped many motorists including travellers heading to Murtala Muhammed International Airport.
A statement by the agency said: “The Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) regrets to announce the tragic death of two of our esteemed sanitation workers, who were hit by a reckless driver, in the cause of discharging their lawful duties and rendering invaluable services to humanity around Gbagada axis.
“LAWMA is working with security agencies to apprehend and prosecute the errant driver of the car, with vehicle number EPE 984 DV.
“We wish to appeal to motorists for the umpteenth time, to drive with utmost caution on the highways, to avoid sad incidents like this happening to our sanitation workers or anyone in the course of their legitimate duties.
“The public is urged to remain calm as appropriate steps are being taken and necessary measures put in place.
“Our heartfelt condolences go to the families of the deceased, whom we love most dearly. May their souls continue to rest in peace.”
The spokesman for the Lagos State Police Command, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, who confirmed normalcy has been restored, noted that: “Most definitely, we will not allow a breakdown of law and order.”
Also, Jubril Gawat, Senior Special Assistant to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu tweeted: “Gbagada Expressway … ALL CLEAR at the moment. The Nigeria Police formations still on the ground to forestall breakdown of Law and Order.”