The Ondo State Police Command on Monday confirmed the death of a woman and her child in Ute, a community in Ose Local Government Area of the state.
The two victims, whose identities were yet to be disclosed, were reportedly crushed by a grader belonging to the local government.
The construction vehicle, which was working on a road project in the town, was said to have suffered brake failure, leading to the fatal incident.
The state police spokesperson, Olayinka Ayanlade, confirmed the incident and said an investigation had begun.
“It is true that the incident happened but we have commenced investigation,” the command’s spokesman stated.
The chairman of Ose Local Government, Clement Ojo, also confirmed the incident in a statement.
He said the council had launched a probe into the mechanical faults that led to the crash and would take measures to prevent such incidents.
“The tragic accident, which occurred as a result of brake failure in a grader owned by the local government and deployed for road rehabilitation under our rural development programme, has brought great pain to all of us. What was intended as a noble effort to improve access and infrastructure within the community has now become a moment of intense grief.
“This is a loss that touches us all, not just as a government, but as members of one human family. A hardworking mother and her innocent child set out to the farm like on any other day, only to have their lives cut short in the most heartbreaking way. No words can adequately express the sadness and regret we feel as a government and as a people.
“As soon as the incident was reported, officials from Ose Local Government promptly visited the scene to offer condolences to the grieving family, stand in solidarity with the Ute community, and assess the situation directly. This visit was not merely symbolic; it was a sincere act of compassion and responsibility.”