Hit-and-Run Trailer Driver Kills Two Vigilantes in Benin

Two members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria were killed by a hit-and-run trailer driver on the Benin–Lagos Expressway. The victims were on a motorcycle when they were struck by the speeding vehicle which fled the scene. Eyewitness accounts differ regarding the events leading up to the accident, prompting a police investigation.

In a tragic incident early Tuesday morning, two members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN) lost their lives after being struck by a hit-and-run trailer driver on the Benin–Lagos Expressway, near the University of Benin in Edo State. One of the victims has been identified as Mustapha, based on his identity card. The duo was riding a motorcycle when they were hit by a speeding trailer that then fled the scene.

Eyewitness accounts of the incident vary, leading to some confusion regarding the circumstances. While some witnesses suggested that the vigilantes were attempting to flag down the trailer, other reports indicate that they were first struck by a minibus before the trailer ran over them. “It was horrifying. The trailer didn’t even slow down. One of the men had his head crushed instantly,” recounted a local hawker who witnessed the collision. “People screamed, but the driver just kept going.”

The incident immediately caught the attention of nearby residents and passersby, many of whom expressed frustration over the reckless behavior of drivers on this busy highway. Additionally, they voiced concerns regarding the safety of vigilantes who undertake the challenging task of community security.

Moses Yamu, the spokesperson for the Edo State Police Command, confirmed the details surrounding the collision. He indicated that the police are actively investigating the case, with ongoing efforts to locate the driver responsible for the tragedy. The remains of the victims have been taken to a morgue, and authorities are currently appealing for information that could assist in capturing the culprit.

The deaths of two vigilantes in a hit-and-run incident on the Benin–Lagos Expressway highlight significant safety concerns for community volunteers as well as the recklessness of some drivers. With an investigation underway, authorities urge anyone with information to come forward to ensure justice for the victims. The tragic accident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by those who protect their communities.

Original Source: guardian.ng