Brake Failure, Not Checkpoint, Caused Fatal Enugu Crash: Nigerian Army

The Nigerian Army has refuted reports attributing the tragic accident that claimed 25 lives at Egwu Onyeama, Enugu State, on Tuesday, to a checkpoint operated by the 82 Division, Enugu. The Army clarified that it does not maintain a checkpoint at the location of the accident.

In a statement issued on Thursday via its official X handle, the Headquarters 82 Division explained that the accident occurred approximately 300 meters ahead of the soldiers’ base, and preliminary investigations indicate it was caused by brake failure.

The statement reads: “The attention of Headquarters 82 Division Nigerian Army has been drawn to the news circulating in some mainstream and social media platforms attributing the Division’s Checkpoint at Ugwu Onyeama as the cause of an unfortunate and tragic accident that claimed 25 lives on 11 June 2024. On receipt of the information from an online journalist that sought clarification about the incident, he was informed one-off that the Division does not have a checkpoint there but rather, it has a Location/Base by the roadside to curb the incessant kidnappings the area was hitherto known for.

“This report is inaccurate and full of falsehood that is meant to tarnish the appreciable efforts of the troops. It is therefore necessary to set the records straight.

“First, the Division wishes to condole and commiserate with the families whose loved ones were involved in the tragic incident and also pray for the speedy recovery of those injured.

“It would be recalled that the rehabilitation of the road was concluded in December and the road opened in the first quarter of this year. Since then, the troops only have a base and the barriers used for the checkpoint were removed.

“Due to the steep gradient of the road, the section has remained problematic since the 1990s before, during, and after the checkpoints were removed.

“The accident that occurred yesterday happened about 300m ahead of the soldiers’ base. Preliminary investigation revealed that the accident occurred due to a brake failure of a trailer coming downslope from 9th Mile Axis. The trailer rammed into other incoming vehicles from Enugu and not those coming from the same Axis of 9th Mile with it.

“Hence, the crash was a head-on and not a rear collision. Thus, the soldiers never stopped any vehicle on the road for any checking but served as responders to the accident.

“Also, while the loss of any life is unfortunate, however, only 2 people died at the scene of the accident and not the 25 cases being reported. It is disheartening to accuse the military of causing the accident. The Division is not unaware of the efforts of the kidnappers and illegal miners in the area to get rid of the checkpoint.

“The law-abiding citizens are once again assured of the commitment of 82 Division Nigerian Army to continue to serve them as the Nigerian Army remains the Peoples’ Army.

“The general public is hereby enjoined to disregard the report as it is not the actual account of what happened. The Division will continue to perform its constitutional roles of protecting lives and property within its Area of Responsibility.”

The Division extended its condolences to the families affected by the incident and reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the lives and properties of citizens.