A male pedestrian has been killed by a hit-and-run tipper driver along the Onitsha–Awka Expressway in Anambra State.
The driver, who was reportedly driving against traffic, knocked down the victim and fled the scene immediately after the crash.
Confirming the incident in a statement on Thursday, the Managing Director of the Anambra State Road Traffic Management Agency, Emeka Konti-Okonkwo, said the vehicle was later tracked and intercepted by agency operatives at Upper Iweka in Onitsha.
Konti-Okonkwo described the incident as unfortunate, saying the pedestrian lost his life due to the driver’s reckless conduct. He added that the tipper had been impounded, while the case was handed over to the police for further investigation and possible prosecution.
He said the report confirmed dangers associated with ‘one-way’ driving and urgent need for stricter traffic regulations enforcement across the state.
He said, “The incident, coming few days after the agency launched the ‘See It, Video It and Earn’ initiative, occurred on July 25 when the driver of a tipper, while driving against traffic, allegedly knocked down the deceased.
“A father, a brother and a promising young man, lost his life because a motorist chose to violate traffic regulations instead of driving a short distance to make a lawful turn.
“The suspect fled the scene immediately after the incident, but the vehicle was eventually tracked and intercepted at Upper Iweka in Onitsha by operatives of the agency.
“The vehicle was impounded by the agency while the matter had been handed over to the police for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Konti-Okonkwo identified “one-way” driving as one of the major causes of preventable road crashes in Anambra State. He expressed concern that some motorists, particularly drivers of heavy-duty vehicles, continue to engage in the dangerous practice despite repeated awareness campaigns, warnings and enforcement measures.
He also lamented the insults, intimidation and blackmail his officers often face while carrying out their duties, especially when they refuse pressure from influential individuals seeking leniency for traffic offenders.
“The latest tragedy has reinforced the Agency’s determination to sustain the campaign against one-way driving until the menace is completely eradicated from roads across the state,” he added.
Meanwhile, on July 7, the Enugu State Police Command confirmed the death of a police inspector, Dr Ikechukwu Obodo, who was killed in a fatal hit-and-run motor-pedestrian accident in the state.
The late officer was attached to the Operations Department of the State Police Command Headquarters at the time of the incident.