A reckless driver reportedly driving against traffic has killed a family of five and their house help, in Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State.
The incident occurred at Umudibia community, maternity junction, close to the Federal Polytechnic Nekede in Owerri on Sunday, August 5, 2023.
The family head identified as Arthur, alias Agwu Oti Aka, was a disabled Para-Badminton Silver Medalist. He was scheduled to represent Nigeria in a Disabled Badminton competition in the United States on August 14, 2023.
Arthur was riding a motorcycle with some of his children, while another two motorcycles carried his wife, house help, and other children when the accident occurred.
While Arthur, his wife and their 14-month-old child died on the spot, his house help and two sons passed away later in an Owerri hospital.
A neighbour of the deceased family, Prince Mekoyor, who confirmed the tragic incident on Wednesday, August 9, revealed that the reckless driver believed to be intoxicated, swerved off his lane and struck the family.
“Arthur as I fondly called the deceased was living in the same house with me at Weathral till this last Sunday when he perished with his family. He has only one hand and was about to represent the country on Disabled Badminton competition in the USA on the 14th August 2023. He runs a restaurant at Polynek school junction,” he explained.
According to Mekoyor, the driver was not the owner of the RX 3:30 Lexus SUV but had borrowed the vehicle to withdraw money for a drink purchase at Holy Family junction Poly Nekede.
He recounted that the driver sped off to an ATM at the Master’s Energy fuel station on Aba Road in Owerri. On his return, the driver lost control of the vehicle’s steering at Maternity Junction Polynek and collided head-on with Arthur’s family.
“He was on top speed on his way back and he lost control of the steering at Maternity junction, Umuokoto on Polynek-Ihiagwa road. He ended up knocking down a man and the entire family of Arthur face to face. Arthur and his family were on their way home at 11:05pm whereas the suspect was heading back to the joint after collecting money at the ATM,” Mekoyo said
“He left his right lane and rammed into Arthur and family. Arthur was carrying his wife and his last born (daughter) of one year and two months on his red Windy Motorbike, whereas another bike was carrying his maid and two boys of about 7 and 5 years. He died on the spot with his first child whereas the wife, baby, second child, house help and the bike man died at FMC Owerri,”
He also disclosed that another man who was on the same lane was equally knocked down with his wife and kid by the same car and seriously wounded.
Spokesperson of the State Police Command, ASP Henry Okoye, who confirmed the accident, said three of the persons involved in the accident were receiving medical attention at an undisclosed hospital.
Justina Opara, the Badminton Coach in Imo State, who confirmed the tragic incident, described Arthur as a hardworking individual who had represented the state and the country in national and international competitions.
