A hit-and-run accident in Sowo Village along the Abeokuta–Sagamu Expressway in Ogun State has resulted in the tragic deaths of four schoolchildren, sparking a major protest that left hundreds of travelers stranded for hours.
The deadly crash reportedly occurred around 3:00 p.m. when a speeding vehicle lost control and rammed into a group of pupils walking home from school. Eyewitnesses said all four children died instantly, prompting an immediate reaction from outraged villagers who stormed the expressway and blocked traffic in protest.
The demonstration brought vehicular movement to a halt, creating massive gridlock that stretched for several kilometers. Some commuters were forced to abandon their vehicles and trek in search of alternative routes.
An attempt by enraged youths to attack the driver was thwarted by security personnel, who arrived at the scene and took him into protective custody.
Confirming the incident, Mr. Babatunde Akinbiyi, spokesperson for the Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps (TRACE), described the event as extremely unfortunate. He explained that the road was initially blocked, but security forces — including TRACE, the police, and the Nigerian Army — were quickly deployed to de-escalate the situation.
“Normalcy has been restored, and traffic is now moving again,” Akinbiyi said, adding that the prompt arrival of security teams was instrumental in calming tensions and preventing further unrest.
Local residents have called on the government to install speed breakers and pedestrian crossing signs in the area to improve road safety and avoid future tragedies.
The bodies of the deceased have been taken to a nearby mortuary, while the driver is in police custody as investigations continue.
