In a devastating accident, three people, including a lawyer, lost their lives, and several others were injured when a flour-laden truck, allegedly being pursued by soldiers, crashed into a row of shops in Utu Etim Ekpo, Akwa Ibom State. The incident occurred around 8 p.m. on Monday in the Etim Ekpo Local Government Area, where residents say the truck driver failed to stop at a military checkpoint on the Iwukem-Etim Ekpo-Abak Road.
Eyewitnesses recount that the military patrol team attempted to intercept the truck near Nkwot Ikot Ebo, but the driver continued at high speed, ignoring the soldiers’ signals. Eno Umanah, a motorcyclist who witnessed the event, said, “The truck driver accelerated past the soldiers, who had to jump out of the way. He lost control on a slope near the roundabout, crashing into makeshift shops and killing innocent bystanders, including the lawyer whose identity has not been disclosed.”
Local residents attribute the accident to a poorly constructed roundabout, a hazard they claim has been responsible for multiple fatalities. According to civil engineer Akaninyene Umanah, “The road has dangerous and irregular alignment. This roundabout, altered by politicians, is a frequent accident site, particularly for drivers navigating the slope from the stadium.”
In a chilling recount of the aftermath, a female survivor with severe leg injuries was reportedly denied admission at two nearby hospitals before being transferred to the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH).
As of this report, military and Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) officials have yet to comment on the incident. Locals hope this tragedy will spur urgent action to improve road safety in the area, potentially replacing the problematic roundabout to prevent further loss of life.
