Military Denies Blame for Fatal Accident on Enugu-Onitsha Expressway

The 82 Division of the Nigerian Army has refuted claims linking its checkpoint at Ugwu Onyeama to a tragic auto crash that occurred on the Enugu-Onitsha expressway, as reported by SaharaReporters. The accident, which resulted in casualties and injuries, has sparked controversy over the role of military checkpoints.

Contrary to witness accounts blaming the military presence along the hill road for the fatal incident, the Nigerian Army dismissed such allegations in a statement released. The organization clarified that the crash actually happened 300 meters before their designated base, not at the checkpoint.

Illegal miners and kidnappers operating in the area were accused by the military authorities of attempting to eliminate the checkpoint. In response, the Army emphasized its commitment to upholding its duty of safeguarding lives and property within its jurisdiction.

The statement issued by Headquarters 82 Division Nigerian Army expressed condolences to the families affected by the tragic accident and wished for the speedy recovery of the injured individuals.

Highlighting the context of the road conditions, it mentioned that the road had undergone rehabilitation and was reopened earlier in the year. Despite the removal of checkpoint barriers, the area’s challenging terrain has posed ongoing difficulties for motorists.

An initial investigation into the accident indicated that a brake failure on a descending trailer from the 9th Mile Axis led to the collision with other vehicles. The soldiers stationed nearby were responders to the crash, not initiators of the mishap.

The military debunked reports suggesting a higher death toll, clarifying that only two fatalities occurred at the accident scene. Dismissing the notion of army involvement in causing the crash, the Division vowed to continue serving the public amid challenges posed by criminals in the region.

As the Nigerian Army aims to uphold its mandate as the ‘Peoples’ Army,’ it urged the public to disregard misleading information and assured a dedication to preserving security in the area of operation.