By Cross Udo, (Abuja) and Abiodun Lawal
The Ogun State government yesterday confirmed the report of a car crash involving the former world heavyweight boxing champion, Anthony Joshua and three others, expressing condolences to the families, friends and associates of the victims of the tragic road accident.
Two people were reportedly dead in the crash which left Joshua and two others with injuries.
A statement in Abeokuta yesterday by the Special Adviser to Governor Dapo Abiodun on Information and Strategy, Mr Kayode Akinmade, said the accident occurred on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, within the Makun axis of Ogun, claiming the lives of two persons.
Akinmade said Joshua and three other individuals were travelling from Lagos to Sagamu when the accident occurred.
He stated that preliminary reports indicated that two male foreign nationals died on the spot, adding that their remains had been deposited at a morgue in Sagamu.
The special adviser noted that Joshua and the driver of the vehicle were promptly rescued by security personnel attached to his convoy and taken to a hospital, where they were currently receiving medical attention.
“‘The Ogun State government describes the incident as deeply unfortunate and painful, particularly with the loss of precious lives, while others sustained varying degrees of injuries and are receiving medical care,” he said.
Akinmade urged motorists to exercise utmost caution and adhere strictly to traffic regulations, especially during the festive season when vehicular movements are usually heavy.
He also enjoined road safety officers and other security agencies to intensify surveillance and enforcement efforts across the state to ensure safety of lives and property.
“Our hearts go out to the bereaved families who lost their loved ones in this tragic incident, which the state considers a devastating loss.
“As we mourn collectively, we pray for the repose of the souls of the departed and for the speedy recovery of the injured.
“May Almighty God grant the families left behind the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss,” he said.
The Public Education Officer of Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Ogun State, Mr Afolabi Odunsi, had earlier confirmed the incident in a statement in Abeokuta yesterday.
Odunsi explained that the incident occurred at noon.
He hinted that the accident was due to speeding and wrongful overtaking by the driver, thereby ramming into a stationary vehicle.
President Bola Tinubu has also sympathized with the former two-time heavyweight boxing champion, Anthony Joshua, AJ, on the tragic accident along Lagos-Ibadan Expressway which claimed two lives.
President Tinubu in a post in his official X account Bola Ahmed Tinubu@OfficialABAT, said the road accident casts a deep shadow on the season.
The President also extended his sympathy to the family of Anthony Joshua as they bear the emotional weight of the unfortunate incident
President Tinubu in the post wrote: “I extend my deep sympathies to you following the tragic accident on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, which claimed two precious lives and caused you injuries.
“This immense tragedy casts a deep shadow on this season.
“I sympathise with you and your family as you bear the emotional weight of this unfortunate incident. As a sportsman, you have always shown courage, discipline, and unwavering love for our country. These are qualities that have made you a source of national pride.
“In moments like this, we must encourage one another as brothers and sisters with a shared destiny.
“I pray for strength, wisdom, and grace for you during this painful period. May God grant you a speedy recovery and repose to the souls of the departed.”
Meanwhile, the Ogun and Lagos states’ governments have confirmed that the British-Nigerian two-time unified world heavyweight boxing champion, was in stable condition following yesterday’s accident on Lagos -Ibadan expressway.
A joint statement by Akinmade, and the Commissioner for Information, Lagos State, Mr Gbenga Omotoso, said the two state governments extended their deepest sympathies to the families of those who lost their lives in the tragic incident.
The statement explained that Joshua and other passengers were immediately evacuated to a specialised medical facility in Lagos.
“Following comprehensive clinical assessments, doctors have confirmed that both patients are stable and do not require any emergency medical intervention at this time.
“A full medical team has been assembled and will continue to monitor them closely. Anthony Joshua is conscious and has been in communication with his family.
“The governments of Ogun and Lagos states are closely monitoring the situation and will ensure that the affected persons receive the best possible medical care.
“Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the accident have also commenced.
“We appreciate the concern shown by members of the public and kindly request privacy for Anthony Joshua and his family at this time,” the statement read in parts.
