Tragic Hit-and-Run Fatalities In Benin Raise Concerns Over Road Safety
Two members of the Vigilante Group were killed by a hit-and-run driver on the Benin-Lagos Expressway. One victim was identified as Mustapha. The police are investigating the incident, seeking information to locate the driver who fled the scene. Eyewitness accounts vary regarding the circumstances of the crash.
In a tragic incident on Tuesday morning, two members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria lost their lives after being hit and crushed by a trailer driver on the Benin-Lagos Expressway, near the University of Benin in the Ugbowo area of Edo State. One of the deceased has been identified as Mustapha, whose identity card was found at the scene. Both victims were reportedly riding a motorcycle when they were struck by the speeding vehicle, which then fled the scene without stopping.
Eyewitnesses to the accident provided various accounts, leaving uncertainty about the exact circumstances of the collision. Some witnesses suggested that the vigilantes might have attempted to flag the trailer down, while others recalled that it was a minibus that first struck them before the trailer ran them over.
“It was horrifying. The trailer didn’t even slow down. One of the men had his head crushed instantly,” a local hawker, who witnessed the events unfold, expressed. “People screamed, but the driver just kept going.” Such statements reflect the chaos and horror of the moment, highlighting the dangers present on the highway.
The scene quickly attracted the attention of passersby and local residents, many of whom voiced concerns about reckless driving on the highway and the precarious position of security volunteers like the vigilantes. The tragic outcome of this incident has sparked a conversation among community members about road safety.
Moses Yamu, the spokesperson for the Edo State Police Command, confirmed the unfortunate incident and stated that a formal investigation has been initiated. Officers are currently engaged in efforts to locate the driver who fled the scene.
As investigations continue, the remains of the victims have been transported to a local morgue. Meanwhile, the police are requesting anyone with information that could lead to the identification and arrest of the driver to come forward. It remains a somber moment for the community, reflecting on the loss and vulnerability of those seeking to protect it.
The tragic accident on the Benin-Lagos Expressway highlights the dangers faced by members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria. With two lives lost, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the reckless behaviors exhibited by some drivers in the area. Investigative efforts continue as local authorities seek justice for the victims while community members demand greater road safety measures.
Original Source: guardian.ng
