Panic gripped residents of Obosi in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State on Saturday following a fatal crash involving a Lexus Jeep and two commercial tricycles, popularly known as Keke, along the People’s Club/Limca Road.
Eyewitnesses said the black SUV, reportedly travelling at high speed and occupied by men suspected to be security operatives, lost control and rammed into the tricycles around 6:30am, killing a passer-by on the spot and injuring several others.
“The men looked like DSS officials; there were about four of them in the Jeep. Immediately they realised that people had died and many were injured, they abandoned the vehicle and fled with their rifles,” said one witness, who pleaded anonymity.
The victims were rushed to a nearby hospital where one was later confirmed dead, while others were placed on critical watch.
Confirming the incident, spokesman of the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, stated that investigations had commenced to determine the true circumstances surrounding the crash.
“Preliminary enquiries revealed that the Lexus Jeep rammed into the two tricycles, resulting in the unfortunate death of one person and injuries to others. The vehicle was abandoned at the scene, but contrary to speculation, it does not belong to any security agency in the state,” Ikenga said.
He added that operatives from Isiowulu Division responded swiftly, secured the area, evacuated the victims and recovered the abandoned vehicle.
Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, has ordered a full-scale investigation and appealed for calm, saying, “We urge residents to remain peaceful and cooperate with the police as we work to unravel the circumstances behind this tragic incident.”