- Safiu Kehinde
A personnel of the Abia State Joint Taskforce has been confirmed dead by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in a lone crash on the Umuahia-Bende Road.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Monday by the Sector Commander, Mrs Ngozi Ezeoma, in Umuahia.
The crash which, according to Ezeoma, occurred on Sunday at the Ahiaeke axis of the road, left eight others with varying degrees of injury.
The FRSC boss disclosed that the crash involved a vehicle belonging to the Abia Joint Taskforce, known as Operation Crush, carrying personnel of the taskforce.
“The fatal crash happened on Sunday night at Ahiaeke junction along the Umuahia-Bende Road. The vehicle veered off the road and fell into a ditch due to brake failure.
“Before FRSC arrived at the scene, the police had already moved the victims to the Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia, for treatment.
“The eight officers rescued are receiving medical attention at the Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia, while the deceased has been taken to the morgue.” she said.
The Sector Commander expressed deep sadness over the tragic loss of a personnel in the crash.
She extended heartfelt condolences to the family and the sister security agency that also lost one of its personnel in the incident.
Ezeoma wished a swift recovery to those injured in the crash.
According to her, preliminary reports indicate that brake failure caused the crash.
She urged motorists to exercise caution, emphasising the importance of avoiding speeding and drunk driving.
She also advised vehicle owners to check and maintain their brakes regularly before travelling to prevent avoidable accidents.