Flour-Laden Truck Pursued by Nigerian Soldiers Crashes into Shops, Claims Three Lives

A tragic accident in Akwa Ibom State has left three people dead, including a lawyer, and several others injured after a flour-loaded truck, reportedly being pursued by Nigerian soldiers, lost control and crashed into a row of shops in Utu Etim Ekpo, Etim Ekpo Local Government Area (LGA). The incident occurred around 8 p.m. on Monday.

The truck, which was traveling from Iwukem toward Abak, allegedly ignored orders from soldiers at a checkpoint near Nkwot Ikot Ebo along the Iwukem-Etim Ekpo-Abak road. Eyewitnesses report that soldiers began pursuing the vehicle when it failed to stop.

According to Eno Umanah, a motorcyclist and eyewitness to the event, “The truck, loaded with flour, was flagged down by soldiers at a checkpoint, but the driver sped on. The soldiers attempted to overtake the truck, but the driver pressed forward, causing them to leap out of the way as it careened down a slope toward a busy roundabout.”

Witnesses describe the scene as chaotic, with the truck hurtling uncontrollably and ultimately crashing into a line of makeshift shops near the motor park. “It was impossible to control the truck at that speed,” Umanah recounted, noting that the impact killed three people instantly, including a lawyer whose identity is still unknown.

Local Frustrations Over Road Conditions and Tragic History

The accident has renewed frustrations among locals, with many residents attributing frequent fatalities to what they describe as a dangerously designed roundabout. Akaninyene Umanah, a resident, claims over 70 lives have been lost on this stretch, with fatalities including churchgoers returning from conventions and travelers.

Adding to the concerns, a local civil engineer has pointed out structural flaws at the site, alleging that a prominent politician collaborated with government officials to alter the original road design, compromising road safety.

Survivor Struggles to Find Medical Aid

Among the survivors is a woman who suffered severe leg injuries but faced obstacles accessing medical care. She was initially turned away by two nearby hospitals, Divine Love Hospital and Utu Etim Ekpo Government Hospital, before finally receiving treatment at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH), located roughly 45 minutes from the accident scene.