Security Operatives Of Abia Operation Crush Involved in Fatal Accident, One Dead (Photos, Video)

A fatal accident involving security operatives of “OPERATION CRUSH” occurred on Sunday evening at Ihie Ibeku along the Bende Road in Umuahia, Abia State, resulting in one confirmed death and several others sustaining injuries.

ABN TV reports that the vehicle transporting the operatives, which included personnel from the Nigerian Police Force, the Nigerian Army, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), veered off the road and plunged into a deep ditch. The challenging terrain and narrow nature of the road, which serves as a federal highway linking Bende to Ohafia and Arochukwu, may have contributed to the accident.

Inside the vehicle at the time of the accident were three policemen, five NSCDC officers, and one military personnel. Out of the ten operatives onboard, one officer from the NSCDC was confirmed dead, while eight others sustained serious injuries and were rushed to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Umuahia for urgent medical attention. Notably, one operative had disembarked before the accident occurred and was initially declared missing but was later found alive.

Eyewitnesses confirmed that a prominent Ibeku community leader, popularly known as Akaraka, alongside other passersby, played a crucial role in the initial rescue efforts. They used his vehicle and other available means to transport the first six injured operatives to the hospital before further reinforcements arrived.

Despite the severity of the incident, road safety officials had yet to arrive at the scene at the time of reporting. Witnesses have called on the state government and relevant authorities to act swiftly, emphasizing the urgent need for better road safety measures and emergency response protocols to prevent further casualties.

Meanwhile, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma, was present at FMC Umuahia alongside ABN TV correspondents to monitor the situation. Additionally, the Abia State Commissioner of Police, CP Danladi Isa, visited FMC with his team tonight. He prayed for and encouraged the personnel, offering words of support during this difficult time.

Authorities are expected to provide further updates as investigations into the cause of the accident and the overall condition of the affected operatives continue.