No fewer than eight operatives attached to the Anambra State Special Anti-Tout Squad have been feared dead, with several others injured, after their vehicle collided with a tipper fully loaded with sand. The tragic accident occurred on Friday along the Onitsha-Owerri Road axis of Oba in the Idemili South Local Government Area of the state.
The operatives were on their daily stop-and-search operation when the driver of their branded Toyota Hiace bus rammed into the tipper as it was exiting a junction. Eyewitnesses reported that the vehicle was traveling at high speed before the collision, which left the operatives trapped and caused panic in the area.
Eyewitness Accounts of the Incident
According to eyewitnesses, the accident resulted in multiple fatalities and injuries. Chinwe, a resident of the area who spoke to FRONTPAGE, described the scene as chaotic.
“The branded Toyota vehicle had about eight young men as the occupants and was running at full speed before ramming into the tipper fully loaded with sand. The operatives were on their routine stop-and-search operations when they rammed into the tipper, which was coming out from another junction of the road,” she said.
Chinwe added that after the collision, passersby rushed to rescue the trapped operatives. “More than four lifeless bodies littered the road, while those injured were rushed to the hospital. The incident has caused panic on the road as motorists and residents battled in the traffic caused by the situation. The accident happened this morning (Friday).”
Social Media Footage of the Accident
A video currently circulating on social media shows the aftermath of the accident, with lifeless bodies lying on the road and bystanders attempting to rescue the injured. The footage has sparked widespread reactions, with many expressing shock and sadness over the tragic incident.
Response from Authorities
As of the time of reporting, the Anambra State Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) had yet to issue an official statement on the accident. However, the Public Relations Officer of the FRSC in the state, Margaret Onabe, confirmed that she was in contact with personnel in the area to gather more details about the incident.
“I am currently reaching out to our personnel around the area to ascertain the actual position of the incident,” Onabe said.
The Role of the Anti-Tout Squad
The Anambra State Special Anti-Tout Squad was established to combat illegal activities, including touting and extortion, particularly around markets and major roads in the state. The operatives are often deployed to conduct stop-and-search operations to ensure compliance with state regulations and maintain order.
The tragic accident has raised concerns about the safety of operatives and the need for improved measures to protect them while on duty.
Community Reactions
The incident has left residents of Oba and surrounding communities in shock. Many have expressed their condolences to the families of the deceased and called for a thorough investigation into the cause of the accident.
A local trader, who identified himself as Chukwudi, said, “This is a very sad day for us. These young men were out there doing their job to protect us, and now they are gone. The government needs to ensure that such accidents are prevented in the future.”
Calls for Improved Road Safety Measures
The accident has also reignited calls for improved road safety measures in Anambra State. Residents and stakeholders have urged the government to address issues such as reckless driving, poor road conditions, and the need for better traffic management.
According to a road safety advocate, “This tragic incident highlights the need for stricter enforcement of traffic laws and better training for drivers, especially those operating heavy vehicles like tippers. We cannot afford to lose more lives to preventable accidents.”
Looking Ahead
As the community mourns the loss of the anti-tout operatives, attention has turned to the investigation into the cause of the accident. The FRSC and other relevant authorities are expected to provide more details in the coming days.
In the meantime, the families of the deceased and the injured are receiving support from the community and the state government. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by law enforcement operatives and the importance of prioritizing their safety.
Conclusion
The tragic accident that claimed the lives of eight Anambra State Special Anti-Tout Squad operatives has left the state in mourning. The collision, which occurred during a routine stop-and-search operation, underscores the dangers faced by those tasked with maintaining law and order.
As investigations continue, the incident has sparked calls for improved road safety measures and better protection for operatives. The loss of these young men is a sobering reminder of the need to prioritize safety and prevent such tragedies in the future.
Our thoughts are with the families of the deceased and the injured during this difficult time. May their souls rest in peace.
