Bus driver overruns, kills VIO on duty

An officer of the Ondo State Vehicle Inspection Service was knocked down by a vehicle on Friday while trying to flag down its driver for a routine check along Hospital Road in Akure, the Ondo State capital.

The officer, Adedeji Sesan, 35, was on duty opposite Mega Primary, Akure, along with his colleagues at about 9 a.m., when the accident occurred.

Spokesperson for the Ondo State Police Command, Jimoh Abayomi, said in a statement that the driver has been arrested while Mr Sesan’s body has been deposited at the morgue.

Mr Abayomi said preliminary information indicates that the incident involved a white Mitsubishi van with registration number AGL 992 XX, driven by one Ayoade Idowu, 37, of Gbogi Street, Akure.

He said the victim, reportedly on routine patrol with his team, flagged down the vehicle for a routine inspection of its particulars.

“The driver initially stopped but allegedly drove off when asked to produce the relevant documents, hitting the VIO official in the process,” he said.

“The victim sustained serious head injuries and was immediately rushed to the Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA) Teaching Hospital, where he was subsequently confirmed dead by the doctor on duty.

His remains have been deposited at the hospital mortuary for preservation and autopsy.

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“The driver has been arrested and detained, while preliminary investigations are ongoing. Police operatives have visited the scene and commenced investigations. The case file is expected to be transferred to the Motor Traffic Division for further investigation.”

Mr Abayomi said the Command expressed its condolences to the family, colleagues and associates of the deceased over this tragic loss, assuring that a thorough investigation will be conducted. At the same time, appropriate legal action will follow in accordance with the law.

“The Command urges motorists to exercise patience, obey lawful traffic instructions and cooperate with authorised traffic enforcement officials. No road user should endanger the life of another in an attempt to evade routine checks or traffic regulations,” he warned.

“The Ondo State Police Command remains committed to ensuring road safety, protecting lives and property and maintaining law and order across the state.”