Ajirioghene Imah
Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State has been thrown into mourning after a reckless driver disobeying traffic rules collided with a Para-Badminton Silver Medalist and his four family members in Umudibia community, Federal Polytechnic Nekede, Imo State.
The head of the family, identified as Arthur, also known as Agwu Oti Aka, despite his disability, was a Para-Badminton Silver Medalist who had been preparing to represent Nigeria in a Disabled Badminton competition scheduled for Monday, August 14, 2023, in the United States.
Tragedy struck when Arthur who was riding a motorcycle with some of his children, while his wife, house help, and other children were on two additional motorcycles, all on their way.
The reckless incident claimed the lives of Arthur, his wife, and their 14-month-old child at the scene. Sadly, his house help and two sons succumbed to their injuries later at an Owerri hospital.
Prince Mekoyor, a neighbor of the grieving family, while confirming the heart-wrenching event disclosed that the irresponsible driver, suspected to be drunk, veered off his lane and collided with the family, leading to this tragic loss of lives.
“Arthur as I fondly called the deceased was living in the same house with me at Weathral till this last Sunday when he perished with his family. He has only one hand and was about to represent the country on Disabled Badminton competition in the USA on the 14th August 2023. He runs a restaurant at Polynek school junction.
“The driver was on top speed on his way back and he lost control of the steering at Maternity junction, Umuokoto on Polynek-Ihiagwa road. He ended up knocking down a man and the entire family of Arthur face to face. Arthur and his family were on their way home at 11:05pm whereas the suspect was heading back to the joint after collecting money at the ATM.
“He left his right lane and rammed into Arthur and family. Arthur was carrying his wife and his last born (daughter) of one year and two months on his red Windy Motorbike, whereas another bike was carrying his maid and two boys of about 7 and 5 years. He died on the spot with his first child whereas the wife, baby, second child, house help and the bike man died at FMC Owerri,” he explained
He further revealed that a different man who happened to be on the same lane also fell victim to the same car, along with his wife and child, suffering severe injuries.
