The police in Lagos have said that only two students died, while 12 others were injured following an accident which occurred at Ojodu-Berger, Lagos on Tuesday December 7.
The state police spokesperson Adekunle Ajisebutu, confirmed that the victims are students of Bab Fafunwa Millennium School, Ojodu, formerly Ojodu Grammar School.
However the figures of the death toll given by the police differs from eyewitnesses’ claim of at least 13 – 17 school children being killed in the accident.
The police disclosed that at about 2:15 p.m., a DAF truck with Registration No. APP 438 YA driven by a man identified as Bolaji Kabiru, rammed into some pedestrians, resulting in casualties.
The statement read:
“Today, 7th December, 2021 at about 1415hrs, a DAF truck with Registration No. APP 438 YA driven by one Bolaji Kabiru ‘m’ rammed into some pedestrians later identified as students of Bab Fafunwa Millennium School, Ojodu formerly Ojodu Grammar School,” the statement reads.
“As a result of the accident, two males died on the spot, seven females and five males totalling twelve victims sustained varying degrees of injuries.
“Traffic personnel from the Motor Traffic Department of the Ojodu Police Division immediately visited the scene.
“As a result of the accident, two males died on the spot, seven females and five males totaling 12 victims sustained varying degrees of injuries.
“Corpses of the dead students (identity not yet known) were evacuated with the support of officers of the FRSC and were deposited at the Morgue of the Mainland Hospital, Yaba, for autopsy.
“The injured victims were taken to God’s Apple City Hospital, Ojodu Berger; St. Michael Hospital, Ojodu; and the Lagos State Emergency Hospital, Toll Gate.
“The erring driver has been apprehended and kept in police custody. However, the angry students who were later joined by hoodlums set the accident vehicle ablaze.
“They also attacked the Ojodu Police Station in their large number, demanding the release of the driver for jungle justice.
“However, when their demand was not met, they became violent. In the process, they destroyed four vehicles parked in the premises of the police station and another mobile truck on the highway.
“To avoid total breakdown of law and order, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Hakeem Odumosu, immediately ordered the deployment of policemen comprising tactical teams, Rapid Response Squad and others to the scene to maintain law and order.
“The protesters were professionally dispersed with minimum force without resulting to any further injury.”
The police also asked sympathisers to remain calm and allow officers to carry out “a thorough investigation” into the accident