A devastating tragedy has unfolded in Ogun State, where a reckless high-speed race between two students of Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Sapade (GAPOSA) ended in a catastrophic crash, claiming four lives, including the two young racers themselves. The incident has left the community in deep shock and grief, with calls for urgent action against the rising trend of dangerous street racing among youths.
Eyewitnesses reported that the ill-fated race began after the students allegedly agreed on a N30,000 wager, with the cash prize set to go to whoever emerged victorious. However, the contest turned deadly when both drivers lost control of their vehicles during the high-speed chase. In a horrific sequence of events, the cars veered off the road and ploughed into a roadside shop located near a garage.
The impact of the collision was immediate and devastating. One occupant from each car was killed instantly, while another individual involved sustained severe injuries and was rushed to a nearby hospital in critical condition. Tragically, the force of the crash also claimed the lives of two unsuspecting individuals who were inside the shop at the time, turning what was meant to be a casual day into a scene of chaos and loss. Significant damage was also done to property in the area.
Harrowing videos circulating on social media platform X, posted by user @Letter_to_Jack, captured the desperate attempts of bystanders to help. In one clip, onlookers could be seen working frantically to roll over one of the mangled vehicles in a bid to retrieve the lifeless bodies trapped beneath the wreckage. The disturbing footage has only intensified public outrage.
The tragic event has sparked heated discussions online, with many Nigerians expressing frustration at what they describe as the growing culture of thrill-seeking and reckless driving among young people. Some have called on law enforcement agencies and educational institutions to take a stronger stance against such dangerous activities, while others have urged for public awareness campaigns to curb the menace.
As of the time of filing this report, neither the Ogun State Police Command nor the management of Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Sapade has issued an official statement addressing the incident. Meanwhile, the families of the victims are left grappling with the devastating loss of their loved ones in what many are calling a senseless and entirely avoidable tragedy.