Protests as truck kills three in Ebonyi community

By EDWARD NNACHI

Crisis seems to be brewing along the Afikpo-Abakaliki Expressway, following the killing of three youths by a truck at Akpoha community, in the Afikpo North Local Government Area of Ebonyi on Saturday morning.

Our correspondent reports that the articulated vehicle veered off the road and killed three youths suspected to be motorcyclist and two passengers.

Ebonyi State governor, David Umahi, in a message, said, “Help will come immediately.”

A community source who spoke on condition of anonymity expressed sadness over the development and advised commuters not escalate the development.

“We are not happy over this development. A truck killed three of our youths and dumped their corpses in the bush and that’s why we are protesting about it.

“I will advise people [road users] to turn back. We are not happy at all. How can the truck driver kill our youths and hide their corpses?” the source said.

It was further learnt that the Afikpo-Abakaliki Expressway, Akpoha axis, has become impassable by commuters as vehicles were seen in a video parking along the road, while others were making a reverse to avoid running into the irate youths in the area.

Meanwhile, relevant authorities and security agencies in the state have assured residents that the matter will soon be brought under control, when they were contacted for reaction

Also, the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Aliyu Garba, explained that the incident was occasioned by an accident.

According to him, “It’s as a result of a fatal motor accident where an Okada rider and passenger were crushed to death.”

Sources further told our Correspondent that the Chairman of Afikpo North LGA, Mrs. Obiageri Oko-Enyim; and a coordinator in the area were on top of the matter to calm the youths and clear the expressway for commuters. (Saturday PUNCH)