A tragic incident occurred in Ute, a community in Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State, where a road grader reportedly crushed a mother and her child to death along the Olujewu–Igbatoro Road.
The victims, whose names have yet to be disclosed, were killed when a grader—owned by the local government and deployed for road construction—allegedly suffered a brake failure. The heavy machinery was working on a rural road rehabilitation project at the time of the accident.
Spokesperson for the Ondo State Police Command, Olayinka Ayanlade, confirmed the incident and noted that an investigation is already underway.
The Chairman of Ose Local Government, Hon. Barr. Clement Kolapo Ojo, expressed deep sorrow over the loss, describing the deaths as a heartbreaking consequence of a well-intentioned development project.
In a statement titled “Ose Local Government Mourns Tragic Loss in Ute Community,” Ojo said:
“What was intended as a noble effort to improve access and infrastructure has become a moment of intense grief. A hardworking mother and her innocent child were tragically taken in an accident that affects us all. We are committed to a full investigation and to reviewing our safety protocols to prevent future tragedies.”
Ojo added that local government officials had visited the grieving family and the accident scene, offering condolences and support. He emphasized the administration’s commitment to providing both emotional and material assistance to the bereaved.
The local government has pledged to prioritize safety and ensure accountability as the investigation progresses.
