The Ondo State Agency for Transport has dismissed unverified reports linking officials of the Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO) to the tragic accident that claimed the lives of two brothers along Reuben Fasoranti Road, Akure, on Wednesday morning.
Reacting to reports circulating on social media and certain online platforms, the Permanent Secretary of the Agency, Mr. Tope Lebile, stated that VIO officers were several metres away from the scene when the incident occurred.
According to Mr. Lebile, claims that VIO personnel were conducting a stop-and-check operation that allegedly caused traffic congestion leading to the crash are false and misleading.
The Permanent Secretary explained that preliminary findings indicated that the truck driver lost control of the vehicle before colliding with other vehicles and motorcycles on the busy road.
He stressed that officials of the Vehicle Inspection Office were far from the accident scene at the time of the incident and could not have contributed in any way to the unfortunate development.
The Ministry therefore urged members of the public to disregard the reports accusing VIO officers of responsibility for the accident.
Describing the allegations as unfounded, the Permanent Secretary cautioned against the spread of unverified information capable of inciting public anger against government officials carrying out their lawful duties, thereby creating unnecessary tension among the public.
He, however, expressed sympathy to the families of the deceased, prayed for the repose of the souls of the victims, and wished those injured a speedy recovery.
The Ministry also appealed to road users to always obey traffic regulations and ensure that their vehicles are in good condition in order to prevent accidents on the roads.
Meanwhile, the Permanent Secretary commended security operatives for maintaining peace and order in the area following tensions generated by the incident.
The Ministry reiterated its commitment to road safety and the maintenance of orderliness on highways across the state.
