5 Killed In Asaba Delta State, As DPO , 5 Policemen Injured In Ogun

                           

                                                  
                                                        



IT WAS wailing on Thursday as five persons lost their lives in a ghastly lone motor accident on the Obiaruku/Amai in Ukwuani area of Delta State.
Other occupants who survived the crash, sustained severe injuries and were rushed to the hospital for treatment while the corpses of the dead were deposited at the mortuary of the same hospital. The driver of the ill-fated 18-seater bus was said to be among the dead persons.


Although what led to the accident could not be established, eyewitness stated that the Kwale-bound vehicle lost control at the middle of the highway and somersaulted before crash-landing.
The source further informed that the driver of the vehicle was answering a call on his mobile handset when he suddenly lost control.
According to the source “Our vehicle was coming behind the ill-fated bus when suddenly the bus skidded-off the expressway and veered to the road edges which led to the somersaulting several times and throwing out the occupants.
“We stopped to help rescue the victims and we discovered that five persons, including the driver who was making calls while on steering had died. Those who survived were rushed to the hospital for treatment,” the source said.
Asked if officials of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) were on hand to rescue the victims and clear the wreckage off the highway, the source informed that as at the time their vehicle left the scene, there was yet to be response from the commission.
“I cannot tell if the officials of FRSC were there to do their work because after the rescue exercise, we have to embark on our journey as we had various important appointments to meet at our respective destinations,” he noted.
Meanwhile, the Ogun State Police Command has said no fewer than five policemen were injured in Thursday’s attack on members of All Progressives Congress in Wasimi, Ewekoro Local Government of the state by suspected armed thugs and rival party members.
The injured personnel, the police said, included the Divisional Police Officer of Ewekoro and the orderly to the Area Commander of Ota.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Muyiwa Adejobi, told newsmen in Abeokuta on the telephone that the police did not take side in the incident.
Adejobi, a Deputy Superintendent of Police, said, “This morning, the police were informed that there would be a programme in Wasimi, Ewekoro and the Area Commander, Ota, Titi Kayode, went there with some policemen, including some DPOs. We discovered that the group of Senator (Gbenga) Obadara wanted to have a meeting there. But some youths vowed not to allow him. The police persuaded the youths.
“When the atmosphere was not conducive, the police suggested that the programme be postponed. Later, the Obadara group went to another place and it was there the violence began. Police dispersed the rival groups with teargas. While the two groups were fighting, somebody released (gun) shots.
“Five policemen and a civilian were injured. The DPO Ewekoro was injured; the orderly to Area Commander Ota was also injured. It was an ugly incident. The police later restored normalcy
“Immediately, the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ikemefuna Okoye, sent two Deputy Commissioners of Police to the place. We are going to transfer the case to the State CID. Nobody should accuse the police wrongly or link us with the violence. Our men were also injured. Since firearms were used; it is a case that cannot be swept under the carpet.”

Source: Punch and Independent