Motorist flees scene after fatal crash claims three lives in Calabar

A tragic accident occurred on Monday along Marian Road in Calabar when an unidentified driver, speeding in a Lexus SUV, allegedly crushed three people to death, including a commercial motorcyclist and two female passengers.

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The motorcyclist, who was carrying the two women at the time of the accident, reportedly died instantly, while the female passengers sustained critical injuries and were rushed to hospital, where they were later confirmed dead.

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According to eyewitnesses, the incident happened during evening rush hour, as the Lexus SUV sped through the busy road before colliding with the motorcycle, which had no plate number, and the driver did not stop after hitting it.

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A roadside noodles seller, identified simply as Daniel, witnessed the incident and said the motorcyclist managed to mention that he lived in the Idang area of Calabar before dying, with his body later deposited at the General Hospital mortuary.

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Daniel also stated that the okada rider's last words revealed his place of residence, and the fact that the Lexus driver did not stop after hitting the motorcycle was a disturbing aspect of the incident.

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In a separate incident, a commercial mini-bus driver allegedly killed a traffic enforcement officer, Akerete Okon, attached to the Traffic Management and Regulatory Agency (TRAMRA), during an altercation in Calabar on Monday at about 10 a.m.

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The incident reportedly occurred around the Marian Hills area during a routine traffic enforcement operation by TRAMRA officials, and the deceased officer sustained fatal injuries during the confrontation and later died in hospital.

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A statement issued by TRAMRA management alleged that the officer was stabbed in the chest with a screwdriver by the commercial driver, identified as Godwin Ukpai Okobo, while on official duty.

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According to the agency, the officer was unarmed and carrying out lawful traffic management duties when the incident occurred, and he was attacked without provocation, resulting in his death despite efforts to save his life.

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The agency's statement described the officer's death as a devastating loss to TRAMRA and to the public he served with dedication, and it expressed profound grief and outrage over the killing.

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ASP Sunday Eitokpah, spokesperson of the Nigeria Police Force in Cross River State, confirmed the incident and said preliminary findings indicated that the commercial mini-bus driver was involved in an altercation with TRAMRA officials before the officer's death.

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Eitokpah stated that investigations had commenced to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the incident and assured residents that the police would conduct a thorough and impartial probe into the matter.