A tragic road accident and a violent attack on local vendors shook Benin City on Wednesday night, leaving residents in shock and prompting calls for improved safety and security in the area.
Fatal Road Crash Near New Benin Market
At around 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, a fatal accident occurred along the New Benin Market corridor in Oredo Local Government Area. Eyewitnesses reported that a commercial bus carrying ten passengers lost control and collided into a bustling section of the market, leading to fears of numerous casualties.
Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) officials have yet to release a detailed account, but local witnesses provided harrowing accounts. A survivor, identified as a pregnant woman, miraculously escaped unscathed. “It was the hand of God that saved me. I am going to church with a bunch of plantain this Sunday for Thanksgiving,” she said.
According to her account, the bus driver, allegedly intoxicated, ignored passengers’ warnings to slow down and was seen holding a bottle of beer at the wheel. After the crash, he reportedly fled the scene with a broken leg before first responders could arrive.
Several passengers sustained injuries and were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Gunmen Attack Uselu Market, Causing Chaos
Less than an hour before the road accident, gunmen descended upon the Uselu Market area near Mela Motel Road in Egor Local Government Area. Witnesses say the attackers targeted Point of Sale (PoS) operators, creating chaos among vendors and roadside traders, who fled in panic.
The lack of power in the area, according to residents, provided cover for the assailants, allowing them to carry out the raid undetected. Many traders abandoned their stalls, leaving their goods behind to escape the threat.
Heightened Security Measures
Earlier on Wednesday, the Edo State Commissioner of Police, CP Umoru Ozigi, addressed concerns over increasing violence by parading a group of suspected criminals and cultists. The Commissioner’s actions were prompted by recent reports of violent gang activity in the Upper Sokponba area of Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area.
