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By Oscar Okhifo
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has identified the couple who died in Wednesday’s tragic crash along the Mabushi Bridge, Abuja, after a violent encounter with touts.
Police spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, confirmed in a statement that the victims were Mr. Emeka Ehekweme and his wife, who lost their lives when their vehicle, a grey Toyota Highlander with registration number ABJ 206 EC, somersaulted after touts allegedly forced their way into it.
According to Adeh, the couple had been accosted by three unidentified suspects near Berger Junction, Utako. In the ensuing struggle for control of the steering wheel, their SUV veered off course, collided with a parked Mazda vehicle, and somersaulted into a bridge pillar.
“The couple, along with two of the suspects, were confirmed dead on arrival at the National Hospital. A third suspect is currently receiving treatment. The driver of the Mazda, identified as Suleman Mohammed, sustained no life-threatening injuries,” Adeh stated.
Eyewitnesses narrated that the Ehekwemes, who had reportedly gone shopping and bought a refrigerator, were chased from the Berger axis by touts. The assailants allegedly forced their way into the vehicle before wrestling with the driver over control, causing the fatal crash under the Mabushi Bridge. Their young son was also said to have died instantly in the accident.
The tragedy sparked anger among passersby who reportedly lynched one of the touts before police operatives arrived to restore order. Two other suspects were rescued and taken to hospital by security operatives.
News of the deaths has triggered outrage among Abuja residents, with many describing the incident as a reminder of the unchecked menace of touts and illegal transport operators across the city.
“These touts have taken over major junctions, harassing motorists and extorting money. If government does not act, more innocent lives will be lost,” a commuter, Mrs. Kemi Balogun, told reporters.
Another resident, John Ali, said the police and the FCT Administration had failed to enforce regulations against street urchins who operate openly at Berger, Mabushi, and Area 1. “This is not the first time. The authorities wait for people to die before pretending to act,” he fumed.
The police assured that investigations are ongoing and pledged to bring all those connected with the tragic incident to justice.