No fewer than seven persons died on Sunday in an accident in Anambra State, when a lorry collided with six vehicles.
The accident, which happened at Obosi, Idemili North Local Government Area (LGA) along Onitsha-Owerri Expressway about 10am, was allegedly caused by revenue agents of the State government.
Sources confirmed that two tricycles, two Hiace buses and another private vehicle were crushed by the lorry when itrammed into them as it was allegedly being chased by the agents.
Already, a viral video showed three dead bodies littered at the scene of the incident.
The tricycles fell inside the ditch, as sympathizers and other road users were seen expressing disgust, while others were taking pictures of the deceased.
The multiple accident triggered protest by youths in the area who expressed anger over the unfortunate incident.
When contacted, Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Adeoye Irelewuyi confirmed the crash.
“Yes, there was an RTC at Oba along Onitsha -Owerri expressway earlier today. Details of the crash is still being gathered. Some youths in the town and others are allegedly protesting over the incident,” he added.
But the Press Secretary to Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, Chris Aburime, denied the involvement of the State government or its revenue agents in the multiple crash
“Honestly, it’s regrettable and unfortunate,” Aburime said, adding that many agberos (touts) operate within that axis.
Stating that the menace of agberos was one of the things the administration had been fighting, the Governor’s Spokesperson however assured that those who caused the accident would be arrested.
Later, Aburime issued a statement saying: “The Anambra State Government has addressed the recent tragic accident involving multiple vehicles at Oba in Idemili South Local Government Area. While extending sympathies to the families affected by this unfortunate incident, the state government denied the involvement of its revenue officials in activities leading to it.
“It has come to our attention that certain individuals are spreading false information, claiming that the accident was caused by the operations of Anambra State government revenue officials.
“We categorically state that this allegation is completely untrue. Government revenue officials do not conduct operations on Sundays, and they were not present at the scene of the accident.
“The cause of the accident has been traced to a vehicular brake failure of a truck sloping down to Oba and Onitsha from Owerri axis, leading to the multiple accidents and the associated fatalities.
“Moreover, the government revenue service has not authorised anyone or agent for the purposes of revenue collection on the highways, either on State or Federal roads, not to mention weekends.
“All government revenue partners can be identified with identification cards and numbers, and the public is entitled to request for the photograph shots of all government revenue agents and field officers for authentication purposes.
“The public is hereby advised to call any of the following telephone lines if anyone has reasons to doubt or suspect the authenticity of any State government revenue personnel: 07066727750, 09053234816, 090166905784, 08083066051, 08178070000.
“However, Governor Soludo has vowed that, aside the mechanical factor of brake failure, illegal agents found operating on the highways within the State will be arrested and prosecuted
“As always, Anambra State Government under the leadership of Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo remains committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of its citizens.”
