Driver flees after killing pedestrian in Anambra

A driver of a tipper has knocked down and killed a male pedestrian on the Onitsha-Awka Expressway in Anambra State.

The driver was reported to be driving against traffic when he hit the pedestrian and ran away immediately after the incident.

Emeka Konti-Okonkwo, the Managing Director of Anambra State Road Traffic Management Agency, confirmed the incident in a statement on Thursday. He said the vehicle was later tracked down by the agency's operatives at Upper Iweka in Onitsha.

Konti-Okonkwo expressed sadness over the death, blaming the driver’s reckless behavior. He noted that the agency impounded the vehicle and handed the case over to the police for further investigation and possible prosecution.

He pointed out that this incident highlights the dangers of driving against traffic. He stressed the need for stricter enforcement of traffic rules in the state.

“The incident occurred on July 25, just days after we launched the ‘See It, Video It and Earn’ initiative,” he said. “The driver of the tipper was going the wrong way when he knocked down the deceased.

“A father, a brother, and a promising young man lost his life because a driver decided to break the law instead of making a legal turn a little distance away.

“The driver ran away right after hitting him, but we eventually tracked the vehicle down at Upper Iweka in Onitsha.

“The vehicle was seized by our agency and the case was sent to the police for more investigation and possible prosecution.”

Konti-Okonkwo identified driving against traffic as a major cause of road accidents in the state. He lamented that many drivers, especially those with heavy vehicles, still engage in this risky behavior despite ongoing awareness campaigns and strict enforcement.

He also spoke about the insults and intimidation his officers face while doing their jobs. He said they often encounter pressure from powerful individuals who want leniency for offenders.

“This latest tragedy has strengthened our resolve to continue the fight against driving the wrong way until it is completely stopped on our roads,” he added.