Tragedy unfolded in the Okete community of Ohimini Local Government Area, Benue State, in the early hours of Thursday, when a truck plowed into a residential building, claiming the lives of nine family members. The incident, which occurred around 5 a.m., has left the community in mourning.

Details of the Incident

According to sources, the crash was attributed to a brake failure, which caused the truck driver to lose control and collide with the house located along the roadside. At the time of the incident, the family members were reportedly asleep.

An eyewitness, who preferred to remain anonymous, recounted the chaotic scene:
“The incident happened early this morning when most people were still in bed. The loud noise from the crash woke up the neighbors.”

Police Confirmation and Ongoing Investigation

The Benue State Police Command confirmed the incident through its spokesperson, Catherine Anene. She stated:
“The truck rammed into a residential building, killing nine members of the family. The unfortunate incident occurred in the early hours of Thursday.”

Anene further assured the public that the police had launched a full investigation to uncover the circumstances surrounding the crash. More details are expected to be released as the investigation progresses.

Community in Mourning

The tragedy has sent shockwaves through the small community of Okete. Neighbors and sympathizers gathered at the scene, expressing their grief and offering condolences to the surviving relatives. The catastrophic accident highlights the dangers of poorly maintained vehicles and the devastating consequences that can follow.

Call for Road Safety Measures

The incident has renewed calls for stricter enforcement of road safety regulations. Advocates emphasize the need for regular vehicle inspections to prevent accidents caused by mechanical failures, such as brake malfunctions.

Authorities are also being urged to install traffic calming measures, especially in residential areas, to mitigate the risks posed by heavy vehicles traveling through communities.

Conclusion

As the community grapples with the loss of an entire family, calls for improved road safety and preventive measures have become more urgent. Meanwhile, residents await further updates from the police investigation to provide clarity on the factors that led to the tragic incident.