A recent graduate of Abia State Polytechnic, Aba, awaiting mobilization for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program, met a tragic fate on Tuesday after being fatally struck by a truck. Eyewitnesses recounted the harrowing incident, detailing how the graduate, identified as Ogechi Mary Ezekiel, was crossing the Aba-Owerri Road at the polytechnic’s gate when she was hit by a speeding tricycle, propelling her into the path of the oncoming truck.
The truck, bearing registration number plate XA 60 YEN, was en route to the Bata-Ikot Ekpene road area when the accident occurred. Police sources confirmed the apprehension of the truck driver, while the tricycle rider fled the scene immediately after the collision.
The tragic event plunged the area into chaos, with heavy traffic congesting the vicinity as students from the polytechnic spilled onto the road following the incident. Despite efforts by law enforcement to thwart attempts by students to vandalize the truck, they succeeded in deflating its tires upon learning of the victim’s demise.
Eyewitnesses shared their accounts, painting a picture of the fatal collision. “The girl came out of the polytechnic and was crossing over to the other lane of the road when the tricycle knocked into the path of the truck. She didn’t see the tricycle coming because it overtook the truck from the back side. I heard the girl has graduated but awaiting mobilization for NYSC,” recounted a shop owner opposite the polytechnic.
As of the latest updates, students were still protesting the incident, some gathering around the truck in mourning and anger.
