By Peter Dansu A heartbreaking tragedy struck the Atura area of Lagos-Badagry Expressway on Saturday, July 19, 2025, as a 16-year-old girl...
By Peter Dansu
A heartbreaking tragedy struck the Atura area of Lagos-Badagry Expressway on Saturday, July 19, 2025, as a 16-year-old girl, Barakat Abdullahi, lost her life after being hit by a truck driving against traffic.
Barakat was reportedly on an errand to buy food for her sick mother when the incident occurred near Atura Bus Stop. Sadly, she never made it back home.
The truck, a Volkswagen with the plate number BED 975 XB, was allegedly being driven on the wrong lane—popularly known as "one-way"—when it rammed into the teenager. The driver, identified as Salako Joseph, has since been charged to court.
He appeared before a Magistrate Court in Badagry on Wednesday, July 24, where he was arraigned on two counts: reckless driving and driving against traffic—both under the Lagos State Road Traffic Law of 2012. He pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The magistrate granted him bail in the sum of ₦2 million, with two sureties—one must be a community leader and the other a company director. Both are required to present proof of tax payment. The case was adjourned to Monday, July 29, for further hearing.
Meanwhile, the loss of Barakat has left many in the community heartbroken. Though unconfirmed officially, some sources said she was helping out as an auxiliary nurse and was known to be hardworking and dedicated to supporting her family.
The incident has once again drawn attention to the growing menace of one-way driving along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway, especially between Atura and Mosafejo. Residents say reckless driving is becoming more common in the area, and it often goes unchecked until lives are lost.
“This kind of thing happens too often on this stretch. One-way driving has become normal, and it’s only when someone dies that we talk about it,” a concerned resident lamented.
There are renewed calls for stronger enforcement of traffic rules, better road signage, and stricter penalties to curb dangerous driving habits and prevent further tragedies like Barakat’s.
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