Nigeria: young girl killed by vehicle in First Lady’s motorcade

A tragic incident occurred on Thursday, April 17, in Akure, Ondo State, during the official visit of Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.

A seven-year-old girl, Saratu Lawal, lost her life after being struck by a vehicle from the presidential convoy. According to eyewitnesses, the accident happened near the central mosque in Oba Ile as the motorcade was en route from Akure airport to the launch site of the federal “Renewed Hope” program—an initiative aimed at improving the living conditions of women and girls. The program included the distribution of over 10,000 professional healthcare kits.

The vehicle involved, reportedly a beige Hilux pickup truck, fatally hit young Saratu, a student at Islamiyar School in Shasha. She was severely injured and rushed to the Oba Ile Primary Health Centre, where she later succumbed to her injuries.

Her father, Malam Lawali, a local market trader, confirmed the death and expressed his submission to divine will. The child’s body has been returned to her family for burial according to Islamic rites.