A tragic multiple-vehicle crash at the Oba/Obosi junction along the Onitsha-Owerri Expressway in Anambra State has claimed the lives of at least four people.
The accident occurred around 9 a.m. on Sunday in the Idemili South Local Government Area.
According to reports, a trailer lost control due to brake failure and crashed into four vehicles, including two tricycles, pushing them and some of their occupants into a ditch. Eyewitnesses stated that the tricycles were stopped by Anambra State tax collectors at the time of the accident.
Amaka, an eyewitness, described the scene: “The accident occurred this morning when the collectors stopped the tricycles to ask for money. While this was happening, the truck that was coming in the opposite direction and whose brakes had already failed crashed into the two tricycles, thus pushing them into a nearby ditch. While some of the victims fell into the ditch, others were run over by the truck. It was a terrible sight to behold.”
Videos circulating on social media show the devastating aftermath, with emergency services working to treat the injured and recover bodies. As of Sunday evening, the confirmed death toll was five, with search efforts ongoing for other potential victims. Disturbing images and videos depict the lifeless bodies of a child and three others on the road, while a crowd gathered to help pull out bodies trapped under the truck.
Local authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the brake failure and the role of the tax collectors. Social media activist Chude Nnamdi criticized the persistent issue of aggressive tax collection in Anambra State, linking it to the accident: “From Obiano’s Government to Soludo’s Government, the state-sponsored IGR collection thugs have been a menace.”
Similarly, @bensimeon321 lamented the activities of tax collectors in the area, sharing a personal anecdote: “Those agberos at Oba/Obosi junction are really a menace. They dealt with a relative going home with his private sienna. Ripped his clothes naked, broke all his glasses and windscreen. Soludo must dismantle his criminal revenue collectors to save lives.”
The Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps in Anambra State, Adeoye Irelewuyi, confirmed the incident in a brief statement, indicating ongoing investigations and noting local protests in response to the tragedy.
As the community mourns the loss and grapples with the aftermath, the incident underscores the urgent need for improved road safety measures and regulation of tax collection practices in the state.
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