Following the auto crash that occurred in Iworoko-Ekiti on Monday, which claimed the life of a commercial motorcyclist and displaced scores of residents, the Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has condoled with the community and pledged decisive action to curb recurrent accidents in the area.
As part of immediate measures, the governor ordered the temporary relocation of residents in the affected area, as well as the motor park operated by the drivers’ union within the vicinity of the accident-prone spot.
A heavily loaded truck travelling along the Ifaki–Iworoko–Ado-Ekiti dual carriageway reportedly lost control and rammed into buildings, killing a middle-aged commercial motorcyclist, while many traders and residents were displaced after their homes and shops were destroyed.
Speaking during a visit to the palace of the Alaworoko of Iworoko-Ekiti and the scene of the incident on Wednesday, Oyebanji, represented by his deputy, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, said the government was deeply saddened by the loss of life and the destruction of property.
He assured that the government would move beyond temporary fixes to implement lasting solutions to the persistent accidents in the community.
The governor urged the community to submit proposals on how best to address the situation, noting that difficult but necessary decisions would be taken to prevent further loss of lives and property.
Recalling past incidents, Oyebanji lamented that 18 people lost their lives at the same spot in 2019, prompting a visit by the then Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo.
“On behalf of the governor and the people of Ekiti State, we commiserate with you on this tragic incident. The governor is deeply touched by this avoidable loss.
“We must take proactive steps to prevent a recurrence. Measures such as speed breakers and protective barriers along this sharp bend will help. Residents and traders along this corridor must also relocate in the interest of safety,” he said.
He added that, pending the implementation of permanent solutions, both residents and the motor park operators should relocate temporarily to safer locations.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Ifedara Local Council Development Area, Mr Sunday Ogunsanya, called for the immediate installation of speed breakers along the sharp bend to control vehicular movement.
Ogunsanya appealed to the government to compensate victims who suffered loss of lives and property, describing such support as necessary to ease their hardship.
In her remarks, the Regent of Iworoko-Ekiti, Princess Bolanle Ogundola, represented by Chiefs Johnson Bada and Abiodun Ologunsaba, suggested the construction of concrete barriers and speed breakers at the accident spot as a lasting solution.
She expressed concern over the recurring tragedies, noting that the community was weary of the repeated loss of lives.
“As a people, we are tired of these incidents. We cannot continue to mourn our people. There must be a lasting solution,” she said.
The regent also supported calls for compensation for affected residents.
Members of the governor’s delegation included the Chairman of the Ekiti State Emergency Management Agency, Alhaji Ademola Bello, the General Manager, Mr Oludare Asaolu, and other top government officials.
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