The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has disclosed that its Rescue and Emergency Response Unit rescued 353 victims from road crashes and emergency incidents across the state between January and May 2026.
Breakdown of rescued victims
General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, revealed the figures while urging motorists, commercial transport operators, motorcyclists and other road users to exercise greater caution as heavy rains continue to affect driving conditions across Lagos. According to him, the rescued victims comprised 207 adult males, 137 adult females and nine male children, all of whom received timely assistance through the agency’s emergency response operations.
Rainy season dangers highlighted
Bakare-Oki said the rescue record highlights LASTMA’s commitment to saving lives but also points to the increased dangers motorists face during the rainy season. He noted that wet weather conditions often lead to poor visibility, slippery roads, flooding, reduced vehicle traction and mechanical failures, all of which increase the risk of accidents. While commending the agency’s emergency response team, the LASTMA boss stressed that many road crashes could be avoided through responsible driving, adherence to speed limits, maintaining safe following distances and regular vehicle maintenance.
“While we take pride in the successful rescue of 353 individuals within the first five months of the year, these incidents also serve as a reminder of the need for greater caution and responsibility on our roads, particularly during the rainy season,” he said.
Vehicle maintenance advice
Bakare-Oki advised motorists to ensure that critical vehicle components such as brakes, tyres, windshield wipers, lights, indicators and steering systems are in good condition before travelling during periods of heavy rainfall. He also warned against speeding on wet roads, noting that rainfall increases braking distances and reduces tyre grip, thereby heightening the likelihood of skidding, collisions and loss of control. The LASTMA chief further cautioned drivers against attempting to navigate flooded sections of roads without first assessing their depth and condition, saying such actions often result in accidents and vehicle breakdowns.
Collaboration and commitment
He praised the support of emergency responders, healthcare workers, security agencies and other rescue partners whose collaboration has helped reduce fatalities on Lagos roads. Bakare-Oki reaffirmed LASTMA’s commitment to strengthening its emergency response capacity through continuous staff training, deployment of modern rescue equipment and improved collaboration with relevant agencies under the administration of Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu. He urged all road users to embrace safety, patience and discipline while using the state’s roads, stressing that road safety remains a shared responsibility.
“As rainfall intensifies across Lagos, motorists must make safety their top priority. Compliance with traffic regulations and responsible driving remain the best protection against avoidable crashes and loss of lives,” he said. LASTMA assured residents that it remains fully prepared to respond to emergencies and provide assistance to road users throughout the rainy season.
