During a special prayer organized by the leadership of Epe Local Government under Princess Surah Animashaun, Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, Rep. Wale Raji of Epe Federal Constituency, and Hon. Abiodun Tobun of Epe Constituency I, Lagos State House of Assembly, expressed their condolences and highlighted efforts to avert such tragedies.
Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat remarked, “I must apologize. Children are among those the incident happened to. May God strengthen their parents.” Highlighting efforts made by the Lagos State Government, he stated that Alhaji Aliko Dangote was informed about the incident. The Industrialist was said to be unaware of the disheartening development by the appropriate quarters who feared losing their jobs. However, he assured that a case has been made for victims’ compensation, saying “We have met with Dangote people, and they will pay.” He further emphasized the need for internal solutions, stating, “We are not God, but as humans, what can we do so this will not occur again?”
Rep. Wale Raji noted that he came to offer prayers for the dead as Muslims, stressing that on Monday when the incident happened, he was landing in Abuja and could not turn back due to an important assignment. He added that when he got informed about the prayers, he had to return to Epe.
He stressed the importance of accountability, saying, “Let us look at the issue that led to what happened, some are being caused by ourselves, these are the things we need to look into. It is not enough to just hit and kill and we say it is God, the driver must be held responsible and there must be compensation for the victims.
“So, these are the things we must pay attention to. This has happened, what are the steps to take so that such won’t happen again? Sir, we need to divert these trailers so they won’t be passing the community. Such has happened some years back and we don’t pray it happens again,” he added.
Hon. Abiodun Tobun, addressing the gathering, apologized for his absence due to the recent death of his elder brother. He recounted the immediate response to the accident, “When the incident happened, the Chairman called me and narrated everything. We had to call LASEMA heavy-duty rescue trucks to take the ill-fated truck off the dead body. We had to wait to tell all Lagos state and move a motion that firstly LASEMA emergency centre must be equipped adequately and also a trailer park must be provided for the community,” he said.
The event, honoured by GAC Leader, Alhaji Akanni Seriki BAMU, LASUBEB Chairman Dr. Hakeem Shittu, TESCOM Commissioner III Hon. Dr. Olusegun Agbaje; Ikosi-Ejinrin LCDA Chairman, Akogun Wale Raji Anomo and other dignitaries, included solemn prayers for the deceased by both Muslim and Christian clerics.
Following the prayers, the Deputy Governor and other leaders visited the Federal Medical Center, Epe (Epe General Hospital), to show solidarity with survivors who sustained varying degrees of injuries during the road mishap. The solemn event highlights the spirit of solidarity and unity through hard times, exemplifying the commitment and dedication of the local, state and federal governments in addressing the needs of the people.
