In a resolute stand against lawlessness, the Oyo State Government has vowed to prosecute a reckless driver whose actions led to the tragic death of an Oyo State Traffic Management Authority (OYRTMA) officer, Fabunmi Kehinde. The incident, which occurred in the Agbowo area of Ibadan, has sparked widespread condemnation and a renewed call for respect for traffic officers.
Mr. Fabunmi, a Level 4 OYRTMA officer, was killed on Saturday while diligently performing his duties. The driver, operating a Black 4matic Benz with registration number LSD 862 JS, reportedly disobeyed a traffic light and, in an attempt to evade apprehension, reversed his vehicle, fatally injuring the officer.
Addressing the public on Monday, Major Adekoya Adesagba (rtd), Chairman of OYRTMA, described the incident as a heinous act of recklessness. "The victim died while ensuring Agbowo remained safe for motorists and commuters," Adesagba said. He praised the swift intervention of OYRTMA officers and police personnel, who apprehended the suspect near the University of Ibadan.
An eyewitness recounted how the driver, in his bid to escape, reversed his car and struck Mr. Fabunmi, who had approached the vehicle to ensure compliance. The officer sustained severe head injuries and was rushed to a hospital in Orogun before being transferred to another facility within Ibadan, where he tragically succumbed to his injuries.
Major Adesagba emphasized that OYRTMA officers work tirelessly to ensure road safety and that any assault on them will be met with the full force of the law. "No one who disrespects or assaults our officers will go unpunished," he affirmed, adding that the suspect had been arraigned at the Magistrate Court in Iyaganku.
The court, which was on a weekday break, adjourned the case to Thursday, and the suspect remains in police custody. Adesagba expressed condolences to the family of the late officer and commended the Oyo State Government for its unwavering support for traffic safety initiatives.
Prince Dotun Oyelade, the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, described the incident as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by traffic officers daily. "This tragedy underscores the urgent need for drivers to exercise caution and respect the law," Oyelade said in a statement issued on December 16, 2024.
As the state mourns the loss of a dedicated public servant, it reiterates its commitment to justice and ensuring that such reckless disregard for human life does not go unpunished.
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