Tragedy struck again in the Idi-Ayunre area of Ibadan on Saturday, as a trailer belonging to Kulum Quarry crushed three people, killing two and leaving a third victim severely injured. The devastating accident, which occurred along the Ijebu-Ode Road, has reignited public outrage and grief across the Oluyole Local Government Area.
According to eyewitness accounts, the trailer, which reportedly lost control, killed one person instantly. Another victim later died at the hospital despite frantic medical efforts. A third victim suffered extensive injuries, leading to the amputation of a limb in a desperate attempt to save her life.
This marks the second fatal accident involving Kulum Quarry in less than three months, following a similar crash that claimed the lives of three students of Prospect High School, Aba Nla.
In response, the Executive Chairman of Oluyole Local Government, Asiwaju Akeem Olatunji, led senior council officials to the scene to assess the situation and engage with angry residents who had barricaded the road in protest.
Addressing the aggrieved community, Engr. Olatunji expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, describing it as “painful and entirely avoidable.” He condoled with the bereaved families and the broader Idi-Ayunre community, offering prayers for strength and healing.
“No one should lose their loved ones in such a cruel manner—especially when it could have been prevented. This is another avoidable tragedy. My heart goes out to the families of the victims,” he said.
Olatunji pledged that his administration would ensure justice is served by holding both the driver and the company accountable, and by compelling Kulum Quarry to fully compensate the victims’ families.
He also disclosed that many private companies operating in the local government have failed to honour their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) obligations, particularly in initiatives aimed at improving safety and community well-being.
Following the earlier fatal crash involving Kulum Quarry, the council had constructed speed breakers along the affected road to curb reckless driving. However, Saturday’s incident, the chairman noted, is a clear indication that the company has not heeded the warnings.
“We are now taking additional steps.More speed bumps will be installed along the Idi-Ayunre–Sabo Road, and we will ensure stricter monitoring of heavy-duty vehicles,” Olatunji said.
He warned that all companies operating within Oluyole must henceforth adhere strictly to traffic and safety regulations, or face sanctions, including legal consequences for repeated negligence.
The council boss also appealed for calm, urging the youths of the area to desist from taking the law into their own hands.
“We understand your anger, but violence is not the solution. I assure you that the law will take its full course, and justice will be done’’, he said.
Eyewitnesses at the scene painted a disturbing picture of the driver’s behavior. The trailer involved in the crash was reportedly a brand-new vehicle, eliminating the likelihood of mechanical failure. Instead, residents allege that the driver was speeding recklessly and may have been under the influence of hard drugs and sachet alcohol, often referred to locally as “colos.”
In the aftermath of the tragedy, residents have renewed calls for stricter oversight of quarry operations and heavy vehicles in the area. They insist that profit should never come at the cost of human life, and demanded that Kulum Quarry and other companies prioritise community safety.
“Our lives cannot continue to be the price of corporate negligence. We want action’’, not condolences a community youth leader said.
