Akure, Nigeria – Ondo State police have refuted allegations that the convoy of Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, was responsible for a fatal hit-and-run accident that killed a seven-year-old girl, Saratu Lawal, in Akure. The incident has sparked debate about media responsibility and the tendency to politicize tragic events in Nigeria.
According to a statement released by the Ondo State Police Command, preliminary investigations and eyewitness accounts indicate that the accident was caused by an unregistered white Lexus vehicle, and not by any vehicle in the First Lady’s convoy. The police also criticized some media outlets for inaccurate reporting, including misstating the victim’s age.
The incident has drawn attention to what some observers describe as a pattern of criticism directed towards Nigeria’s First Family, often based on limited evidence. Critics argue that such scrutiny can distract from important issues and undermine public trust.
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At the time of the accident, Senator Tinubu was in Ondo State to launch the South-West leg of the “Renewed Hope Initiative,” a government program focused on improving the lives of women and girls. During the visit, she distributed resources to local nurses and midwives.
The police are continuing their investigation into the hit-and-run and have appealed for public assistance in identifying the driver. The incident underscores the challenges of accurate reporting and the potential for misinformation to spread quickly, particularly in politically sensitive contexts. The case also highlights the ongoing efforts to improve road safety and accountability in Nigeria.
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