By ABIODUN LAWAL

Ogun Government has expressed condolences to the families, friends and associates of the victims of a tragic road accident involving world heavyweight boxing champion, Anthony Joshua.

This is contained in a statement issued in Abeokuta on Monday by Mr Kayode Akinmade, Special Adviser to Gov. Dapo Abiodun on Information and Strategy.

According to the statement, the accident occurred on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, within the Makun axis of Ogun, claiming the lives of two persons.

Akinmade said that 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 re 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 News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Public Education Officer of Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Ogun, Mr Afolabi Odunsi, had earlier confirmed the incident in a statement in Abeokuta on Monday.

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. (NAN, excluding headline)