By Kamsi Anayo, Onitsha
Tragedy struck on Saturday morning at the ongoing by-election in Anambra State, as a black lexus jeep on high speed, hit two tricycles smashing one beyond recognition and killing a pedestrian.
The incident occured about 6.30am at People’s Club/Limca, (Old) Road, Obosi, Idemili North Local Government Area of the state.
Occupants of the two tricycles were immediately rushed to an undisclosed nearby hospital where they were said to have been placed on danger list.
According to an eyewitness who pleaded anonymity, “The four men, suspected to be security people, on hitting the two tricycles and discovering that the occupants were badly injured, and one already dead, abandoned their Lexus Jeep and fled with their service rifles.
“People blamed the suspected security men because they were on high speed and could not control the Jeep and it hit the tricycles and killed a passerby instantly. So they ran away immediately to avoid mob action with their guns,” he stated.
Perhaps, their escape was to avert mob action as sympathizers and other road users were reportedly mobilizing to attack them.
The incident happened as the by- election is ongoing for Anambra South Senatorial district and Onitsha North 1 state constituency.
Meanwhile, the police authorities in the state confirmed the incident, saying that the deceased was quickly evacuated to the morgue, while those who sustained injuries were taken for treatment.
Spokesperson for Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga said the area has also been condoned off to avoid violence, while the abandoned SUV has been recovered.
He said in a statement that the Anambra State Police Command has commenced investigation into the fatal motor accident.
He said the Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu has ordered a full-scale investigation into the incident and appeals to residents of the area to remain calm and cooperate with the Police, as efforts are being intensified to unravel the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
