Hit-and-Run Tragedy in Edo State Claims Lives of Two Vigilantes

Two vigilantes were killed by a hit-and-run trailer driver on the Benin–Lagos Expressway. Witnesses report conflicting details about the incident. Police are investigating and seeking information about the driver. The victims’ bodies are in the morgue.

Tragedy struck on Tuesday morning as two members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN) were fatally struck by a hit-and-run driver in front of the University of Benin, located in the Ugbowo area of Edo State. The victims were riding a motorcycle when a speeding trailer collided with them, making a quick getaway afterward. One victim has been identified as Mustapha, thanks to an identity card found on him.

Witness accounts of the horrific event vary slightly. Some bystanders assert that the vigilantes attempted to flag down the trailer before they were hit, while others state that a minibus was involved in knocking them down first. “It was horrifying. The trailer didn’t even slow down. One of the men had his head crushed instantly,” remarked a roadside hawker who saw it all unfold. “People screamed, but the driver just kept going,” he added.

The incident quickly caught the attention of nearby passersby and local residents. Their reactions were filled with horror and frustration, pointing to the increasing recklessness of drivers on the busy highway. Many voiced concerns about the safety of security volunteers trying to keep the streets safer in a risky environment.

Moses Yamu, spokesperson for the Edo State Police Command, confirmed the incident and mentioned that the police have initiated an investigation into the matter. Current efforts are focused on tracking down the driver who fled the scene. Meanwhile, the bodies of the two victims have been sent to the morgue.

Authorities are urging anyone with information about the case to come forward and assist in apprehending the driver responsible for this tragic hit-and-run. The call highlights the community’s growing concern about road safety and the vulnerability of those working to maintain security amidst such dangers.

In summary, the hit-and-run incident involving the VGN members near the University of Benin has raised serious concerns about reckless driving on the highway and the safety of vigilantes. The police are actively investigating the case, seeking public assistance to identify the driver who fled. Meanwhile, the community mourns the loss of two lives tragically cut short by negligence.

Original Source: guardian.ng