Shock and grief rippled across Ogun State on Monday after a serious road crash left two people dead while world heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua narrowly escaped with his life, prompting an emotional response from the state government.
Reacting to the incident, the Ogun State Government described the development as heartbreaking, stressing that the loss of lives overshadowed the relief that the boxer survived.
Officials noted that several others sustained injuries and were currently receiving medical attention.
In a statement issued by the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, the government said the accident represented a painful reminder of the dangers on major highways, especially during periods of heavy traffic. He added that the state shared in the grief of the affected families.
According to official accounts, the accident occurred along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway around the Makun axis while Anthony Joshua and three others were travelling from Lagos towards Sagamu.
The collision claimed the lives of two men, both identified as British nationals.
Furthermore, security sources confirmed that the deceased victims died instantly and their bodies were later deposited at a morgue in Sagamu.
Meanwhile, Joshua and the driver were rescued from the wreckage by security operatives attached to his convoy and rushed to a hospital for treatment.
Authorities disclosed that details of the medical facility where the boxer is being treated were deliberately withheld for security reasons.
However, officials maintained that his condition was stable as of the time of reporting.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the sport utility vehicle conveying the occupants crashed into a stationary truck on the expressway.
Consequently, the damaged vehicle was moved to the Sagamu Motor Traffic Division office, while arrangements were ongoing to tow the truck for further examination.
Beyond expressing condolences, the Ogun State Government used the incident to caution motorists against reckless driving.
It urged road users to exercise vigilance and comply with traffic rules, particularly during the festive season when highways are usually congested.
Additionally, the government called on the Federal Road Safety Corps and other security agencies to strengthen patrols and enforcement across the state to prevent avoidable tragedies.
“Our hearts go out to the families who lost their loved ones in this devastating crash,” Akinmade said.
“As a state, we mourn with them and pray for the peaceful repose of the departed, while also wishing those injured, including Anthony Joshua, a full and speedy recovery.”
He further appealed for calm, noting that investigations were ongoing to establish the exact cause of the accident, adding that appropriate measures would be taken to enhance road safety in the state.