LASTMA saved 353 lives in five months –Oki, GM

• Urges motorists to be cautious on Lagos roads

By Kehinde Aderemi

General Manager of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki has urged motorists, including commercial transport operators, motorcyclists and all categories of road users to exercise utmost caution, vigilance and unwavering compliance with traffic regulations as the State continues to experience intensified rainfall and challenging driving conditions.

Bakare-Oki made this appeal recently while reviewing the  operational performance of the agency’s Rescue and Emergency Response Unit,in Lagos.

The LASTMA boss explained the efforts put in place by the agency to rescue about 353 victims involved in various road traffic accidents and emergency incidents across Lagos State between January and May 2026.

He gave the statistics, explaining that the rescued victims comprised 207 adult males, 137 adult females and nine male children, all of whom, he said, benefited from the prompt, professional and life-saving interventions of LASTMA personnel deployed to accident and emergency scenes across the state.

Oki noted that the rescue mission was achieved in five months, even as he stated that the impressive rescue statistics not only reflect the agency’s unwavering commitment to the preservation of human lives but also underscore the heightened vulnerability of road users during periods of adverse weather conditions.

The LASTMA boss reiterated the need for motorists to ensure that critical safety components of their vehicles including braking systems, tyres, windshield wipers, lighting systems, indicators and steering mechanisms are maintained in optimal condition before embarking on journeys during periods of inclement weather.

He cautioned against excessive speeding during rainfall, stressing that wet road surfaces considerably increase braking distances and diminish tyre grip, thereby heightening the risk of collisions, skidding and loss of vehicular control.

“While we take pride in the successful rescue of 353 individuals within the first five months of the year, these incidents equally serve as a poignant reminder of the need for greater caution and responsibility on our roads, particularly during the ongoing rainy season.

“A considerable number of these crashes could have been prevented through responsible driving habits, strict adherence to speed regulations, maintenance of safe driving distances, avoidance of reckless overtaking and routine vehicle maintenance.

“Every life preserved is of immeasurable value. We therefore urge all motorists to make safety their foremost priority during this rainy season. Strict compliance with traffic regulations and responsible road conduct remain the most effective safeguards against avoidable tragedies and needless loss of lives.

“As rainfall continues to intensify across Lagos State, we reassure residents of Lagos State of  sustained preparedness and operational readiness to respond swiftly to emergencies, provide timely assistance to distressed road users and ensure the uninterrupted flow of traffic throughout the State”, he stated.

Bakare-Oki also warned motorists against driving recklessly through flash flooded sections of roads without first assessing the depth and condition of such areas, noting that such actions frequently culminate in accidents, vehicle breakdowns and other avoidable emergencies.

He also commended the hard work, professionalism, dedication and rapid-response capabilities of LASTMA’s Rescue and Emergency Response Team, even as he acknowledged the invaluable support and collaboration of allied emergency agencies, healthcare personnel, security operatives and rescue partners whose collective efforts have continued to save lives and reduce fatalities on Lagos roads.

He reaffirmed the agency’s determination, under the administration of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, to further strengthen its emergency response framework through continuous personnel training, acquisition of modern rescue equipment, strategic deployment of patrol assets and enhanced inter-agency collaboration.

The General Manager consequently appealed to all road users to cultivate a culture of safety consciousness, patience, discipline and mutual respect while navigating the State’s road network, emphasizing that road safety remains a collective responsibility requiring the cooperation of all stakeholders.