Nigeria: One officer killed, eight others injured in Abia auto crash

By Zuleihat Owuiye, Mamos Nigeria

A tragic auto crash occurred on Tuesday in Abia State, resulting in the death of one officer of the state Joint Task Force, “Operation Crush.” Eight other officers sustained various degrees of injury in the crash, which involved their vehicle at Isieke, along the Umuahia-Bende Road.

The Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Abia State, Ngozi Ezeoma, confirmed the incident in a press statement. According to Ezeoma, the crash occurred due to brake failure, causing the vehicle to veer off the road and fall into a ditch.

The FRSC Sector Commander stated that the police had already moved the injured officers to the Federal Medical Center in Umuahia for treatment before the FRSC arrived at the scene. The deceased officer’s body was taken to the morgue.

Ezeoma appealed to motorists to avoid excessive speed, drunk driving, and to always check the condition of their vehicles, especially their brakes, before embarking on a journey.

Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, mourned the death of the officer and announced that the state government had taken over the treatment of the eight survivors. The governor sent his condolences to the leadership of the state Joint Security Command and the family of the deceased officer, describing the incident as “sad and unfortunate.”

The governor’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma, stated that Otti assured the injured officers and their families that the state government would ensure they receive the best medical attention to aid their quick recovery.

The incident has highlighted the need for improved road safety measures in Abia State and the importance of regular vehicle maintenance to prevent such tragic accidents.