How Long-Awaited Education Dreams Were Crushed By Apprentice Driver

BY ADESANYA OMOTAYO

It was a sad yuletide for the Adeoye family in the Iju Otta area of Ogun state following the crushing to death of their 18 year son, Segun.

Though they were looking forward to joining others in celebrating the season, that expectation was caught short by a callous driver.

The 18year boy had just got admission to the Moshood Abiola Polythecnic.

A competent source told The Eagle that the incident happened at about 1:41pm on December 21 on his way to inform his father at his shop that he had been offered admission.

Unfortunately he was not able to deliver the pleasant news.

Our correspondent reliably gathered that the lorry was driven by an apprentice driver aged about 22, and that he took the vehicle out after his boss had gone out.

It was further alleged that it was in his speed to return the lorry on time, since he did n ot obtain the permission of his boss, that he drove recklessly.

Unfortunately, he could not control the lorry after it experienced break failure and that was what led to the accident.

An eyewitness, Benjamin Ebenezer told The Eagle that the speed at which the lorry was coming was too much, and worse was that it was a sharp bend.

He added that several accidents had been recorded at the spot before the one under reference, urging the government to do something.

Another person, Mr Bamidele Isaiah, told our correspondent that the government needed to screen people thoroughly before issuing them licenses to drive.

In fact, it took the timely intervention of community leaders to dissuade the mob from jungle justice; the driver was however handed over to the police.

After several interrogations, the owner of the truck denied allegations of handing over the truck to his apprentice, saying the truck was driven without his consent.

Meanwhile,  Segun’s mother, Mrs Adeoye reportedly fainted after the news reached her and had not come to as at the time this report was filed.

Her husband was said to equally not been himself following what happened.

A police officer whose name we could not immediately ascertain said that the culprit driver had been in the habit of taking out the vehicle, adding that it was obvious he lacked proper upbringing.

Segun was immediately taken to police custody.