The Oyo State Fire Service has confirmed the recovery of two passengers who lost their lives after a Toyota Avensis plunged into Ariyo River along the Amuloko axis in Ona Ara Local Government Area on Friday night.
According to reports, the vehicle, bearing an unknown registration number, reportedly lost control while in motion before veering off the road and sinking into the river. Consequently, emergency services were alerted immediately. In a statement released on Saturday, the Chairman of the Oyo State Fire Service, Maroof Akinwande, explained that the distress call was received at exactly 21:40hrs on May 29, 2026. Following the alert, fire officers were swiftly deployed to the accident scene to commence rescue operations.
Furthermore, Akinwande noted that the response team, led by ACFS Amoo, arrived promptly and confirmed that the vehicle had completely submerged. The rescue team then began recovery efforts using standard emergency procedures. Subsequently, two casualties were successfully retrieved from the submerged vehicle.
The recovered bodies were later handed over to officers of the Nigeria Police Force, led by ASP Adesuwa Sesan of the Ogbere Target Police Station in Ibadan, for further investigation and necessary procedures. Akinwande emphasized that the fire service acted quickly and professionally, ensuring that all rescue operations were carried out in line with established safety protocols. Authorities have since urged motorists to exercise caution, especially when driving under risky conditions, to prevent similar avoidable tragedies.
