(DDM) – A tragic incident marred the by-elections in Anambra State on Saturday when a speeding Lexus Jeep, allegedly driven by Department of State Security (DSS) operatives, smashed into two tricycles at Obosi, Idemili North Local Government Area.
DDM gathered that the accident, which occurred around 6:30 a.m. at People’s Club/Limca (Old) Road, left one pedestrian dead and at least five tricycle passengers critically injured.
Eyewitnesses recounted that the black Jeep, occupied by about four DSS men, was being driven recklessly when it rammed into the two tricycles.
The impact was so severe that one of the tricycles was crushed beyond recognition, while the lifeless body of a passerby was left on the roadside.
Victims of the crash were immediately rushed to a nearby hospital, where they were placed on the danger list due to the severity of their injuries.
According to an eyewitness who spoke anonymously, the DSS personnel quickly abandoned the Lexus Jeep after realising the extent of the tragedy.
The source said the men fled the scene with their service rifles to avoid being lynched by angry residents who were mobilising in outrage.
“They were speeding too much, and the driver lost control,” the eyewitness explained.
“When they saw that one person had already died and the tricycles were shattered, they ran away immediately with their guns,” he added.
The pedestrian who lost his life was reportedly an innocent road user who happened to be walking along the spot when the Jeep struck.
As the by-election voting commenced across Anambra South Senatorial District and Onitsha North 1 Constituency, the incident sparked anger and grief among voters and residents.
Sympathisers gathered at the scene in shock, mourning the pedestrian and condemning the reckless driving of the suspected security operatives.
Reports indicated that the DSS operatives’ immediate escape was to prevent mob retaliation from sympathisers and other road users at the scene.
The two mangled tricycles, the corpse of the pedestrian, and the abandoned Lexus Jeep were still at the accident site when reporters arrived.
Local residents have called for an investigation into the actions of the DSS operatives allegedly involved in the fatal crash.
They stressed that accountability was necessary to ensure justice for the victims and to prevent similar tragedies in future elections.
The black by-election tragedy has since cast a shadow over the ongoing voting exercise, which was already tense amid concerns about voter apathy and allegations of vote-buying.
Many in Obosi described the incident as a dark reminder of the dangers of reckless driving and the impunity often associated with security operatives in Nigeria.
The Anambra State Police Command and DSS authorities are yet to issue official statements regarding the incident.
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