Hit-and-Run Fatality Mars Christmas Morning on Sagamu–Ijebu-Ode Expressway

A festive Christmas morning turned tragic in Ogun State after an unidentified motorist struck and killed a male pedestrian on the Sagamu–Ijebu-Ode Expressway. The fatal incident occurred at approximately 8:00 a.m. near the Odogbolu Junction, a high-traffic segment of the highway currently witnessing heavy holiday travel. According to the Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency (TRACE), the driver responsible for the carnage fled the scene immediately, leaving the victim lifeless on the asphalt.

Babatunde Akinbiyi, the spokesperson for TRACE, confirmed the details of the hit-and-run, noting that the vehicle was traveling inbound toward Ijebu-Ode when the impact occurred. Eyewitness accounts and early forensic images from the scene painted a grim picture of the collision, highlighting severe trauma to the victim’s head. The speed and force of the impact were so significant that the pedestrian died instantly, well before emergency medical responders could reach the location.

The absence of the vehicle at the scene has made the task of identification difficult for law enforcement. “There was a case of a hit-and-run by an unidentified vehicle at Odogbolu Junction,” Akinbiyi stated, clarifying that the driver did not stop to render aid or report the incident to the authorities. This lack of accountability has become a recurring concern for traffic officials during the Yuletide season, as increased vehicular speed often correlates with a rise in reckless driving and hit-and-run offenses.

In a poignant turn of events, the deceased was not left in the custody of the state for long. Shortly after the tragedy, relatives of the victim arrived at the expressway. Following the confirmation of his identity, the family opted to take the body immediately for burial rites, a common practice in the region. TRACE officials facilitated the evacuation, confirming that the scene had been cleared by the family to allow for a final farewell in accordance with their traditions.

The Odogbolu axis of the expressway is notorious for high-speed traffic, and the Christmas Day tragedy serves as a somber reminder of the dangers facing pedestrians during the holiday rush. Traffic authorities have repeatedly warned motorists to exercise caution and adhere to speed limits, particularly near junctions where foot traffic is common. The TRACE command expressed its condolences to the bereaved family while urging drivers to prioritize human life over the haste of the holiday season.