Speeding Vehicle Knocks Down Fleeing Suspected Thief in Lagos

On November 11, 2024, a male adult, whose identity remains unknown, was discovered unconscious after being struck by a hit-and-run driver in the Abule Egba area of Lagos State. The incident unfolded in the early hours of Friday morning, as the suspect attempted to evade capture following an alleged burglary.

According to reports from  , the suspect had reportedly broken into a nearby apartment when vigilant residents spotted him. In a bid to escape apprehension, he fled the scene, prompting a chase by some local residents. As he was fleeing, he ran onto the expressway, where he was subsequently hit by a speeding vehicle.

During a visit to the scene on Sunday, our correspondent observed the suspect lying on the roadside, exhibiting visible signs of distress, including swollen eyes and bruises. He was found near the Abule Egba bridge, where witnesses confirmed he had remained since the incident occurred.

Ganiyat Enitan, a local trader whose shop is situated close to the bridge, recounted the events leading to the accident. “We found him there on Friday morning, and he has been there since then. Word is that he was caught trying to scale a fence at midnight, and those who spotted him decided to chase him. In his attempt to cross to the other side of the road, he ran directly into the path of an oncoming vehicle,” she explained.

Despite his dire condition, a closer examination revealed that the suspect was still alive, as he exhibited some movement. Another local business owner, who wished to remain anonymous, noted that the victim had initially been lying on the bridge walkway but had since rolled into the main road.

To mitigate the risk of further accidents, officials from the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) placed a tire behind the suspect as a warning to drivers. However, concerns were raised by transport worker Saheed Adekunle, who urged the state government to take immediate action to relocate the injured man before he faced another potential accident. “We are requesting that the government come and remove him from this spot. If he remains on the road for too long, it is only a matter of time before another vehicle hits him. The tire placed there is insufficient; large trucks often drive recklessly and could easily run over him,” Adekunle warned.

Attempts to reach Nosa Okunbor, the spokesperson for the Lagos State Emergency Management Authority, were unsuccessful, with phone calls going unanswered and text messages remaining unreturned at the time of this report.

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges of crime and public safety in urban areas, as well as the urgent need for effective emergency management and community awareness.