Lagos Police Inspector Dies After Hit-and-Run Incident During Presidential Movement

Tragedy struck in Lagos on Tuesday when Police Inspector Mercy Bassey lost her life after being fatally struck by a hit-and-run driver. The unfortunate incident occurred while Inspector Bassey was performing route-lining duties in anticipation of President Bola Tinubu's arrival in the state.

Reports from a security source, who chose to remain anonymous, indicate that Inspector Bassey was hit by a black Highlander Sport Utility Vehicle. The officer, who was assigned to the Ikotun Divisional Police Station, was reportedly crossing the Third Mainland Bridge near the Adekunle Intersection, heading towards Lagos Island, when the collision happened. This deployment was part of the security arrangements for the presidential convoy.

The source further revealed that the SUV's registration number and the identity of its driver are currently unknown. According to the anonymous source, the incident took place around 2:30 pm on Tuesday. "Yesterday, at about 2:30pm, while on route lining for the Presidential movement, Inspector Mercy Bassey, attached to Ikotun Divisional Police Station, Lagos, was hit by a black Highlander SUV while crossing the Third Mainland Bridge at Adekunle Intersection, inward Lagos Island, Lagos," the source stated.

The vehicle involved did not stop, speeding away after hitting the officer. Although patrolmen on duty pursued the SUV, it managed to evade capture and escape to an undisclosed location.

Following the incident, the policewoman was quickly transported to the General Hospital, Ebute Metta, for medical attention. However, she tragically passed away while awaiting treatment. The source confirmed, "The victim was rushed to General Hospital, Ebute Metta, but later died while awaiting treatment. The corpse will be moved to a morgue in Yaba for preservation."

In efforts to identify the vehicle and apprehend the responsible driver, the police are actively working to retrieve CCTV footage from the vicinity where the accident occurred.

When contacted, the spokesperson for the Lagos State Police Command, Abimbola Adebisi, acknowledged the incident but chose not to provide further details at this time, stating, "We don’t want to comment on the matter at the moment."