Road accidents: Lagos govt vows to prosecute errant drivers

The Lagos State Government has vowed to arrest and prosecute drivers involved in careless and wanton auto crashes that often lead to fires, loss of lives and property.

This was disclosed as the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), on Tuesday, January 12, issued a three-month ultimatum to traders at Ifelodun Plank Market, Demurin in Agboyi-Ketu area of Lagos to put the safety and precautionary measures in place or have the market shut.

The market was gutted by fire on December 28, 2020, with several properties, worth millions of naira destroyed.

Dr Femi Oke-Osanyintolu, Director-General, LASEMA, made the remarks after a meeting with the Ifelodun Plank Market leaders in Alausa, Ikeja.

According to Oke-Osanyontolu, the agency would be acting tough this year and would carry out lots of enforcement to enforce compliance.

“Enough is enough. We will be going after the errant drivers henceforth. We will arrest and prosecute to save innocent lives and send a stern warning to others who are fond of such habit.

“We are partnering with the Ministry of Justice for enforcement in a bid to avert avoidable disasters in the state, particularly, this year, 2021.

“The measure is aimed at saving lives and property of innocent residents, as well as serve as a deterrent to others in curbing the menace,” he said.