At least 18 crushed to death at Police checkpoint in Abia State

At least 18 travelers were killed in a tragic accident on the Umuahia-Enugu axis of the Port Harcourt-Enugu Highway early Thursday morning. The crash occurred at a police checkpoint near the Lokpanta area of Abia State.

The incident involved an 18-seater commercial bus that was stopped at the checkpoint awaiting police clearance. A truck driver, reportedly losing control of his vehicle, rammed into the bus, killing the driver and all passengers on board.

Eyewitness Bananas Okereke told The Nation that the bodies of the victims were still at the scene as of 8:20 am. “The road is blocked by protesting bus drivers and other motorists who are demanding that the policemen responsible for the checkpoint be held accountable,” Okereke said.

The protestors, including colleagues of the deceased bus driver and other road users, have taken over the road, calling for justice for the victims. They have vowed to maintain their blockade until Governor Alex Otti visits the scene to address their concerns.