Tragedy Strikes as Correctional Services Vehicle Involving Inmates Causes Havoc in Ilorin
Ilorin, the capital city of Kwara State, was thrown into pandemonium on Thursday when a vehicle belonging to the Nigerian Correctional Services, carrying inmates to court, was involved in a harrowing accident.
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The accident, which occurred at Emirs Market (Oja-Oba), resulted in a collision with a tricycle and a motorcycle, leaving six individuals crushed and injured.
Eyewitnesses on the scene reported that the distressing incident unfolded in the early hours of Thursday. Five people were said to have been crushed at Emirs Market, while another individual met with misfortune along Niger Road in Ilorin.
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This unfortunate turn of events transpired as the driver of the correctional services vehicle was trying to evade an angry mob.
AbdulRaheem Salami, one of the eyewitnesses, shared that the injured victims were promptly rushed to the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital. However, the extent of their injuries remained uncertain due to the urgency of their hospitalization.
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The calamity drew an incensed crowd, which subsequently attacked and vandalized the escorting bus. The vehicle carrying the inmates managed to escape the accident scene without any further mishaps. Nonetheless, the tragedy led to a protest by local motorcycle riders (Okada riders) within the Ilorin metropolis.
AbdulAkeem Sulaiman, the zonal spokesperson of the Motorcycle Riders Association in the state, pleaded with the government to ensure justice for the affected members of his association.
He called on both the Nigeria Correctional Service and the state government to intervene and ensure that justice prevails in the matter.
State police spokesperson, SP Ajayi Okasanmi, confirmed the incident and mentioned that calm had been restored in the areas where protests had erupted.
He assured the public that the police force would take the necessary steps to ensure that justice is served to those affected by the accident.
The state NCoS public relations officer, Philip Adegbulugbe, released a statement acknowledging the incident. He explained that suspected hoodlums had attempted to free high-profile inmates being transported to court, causing pandemonium in the process.
The correctional service personnel, however, managed to safely navigate to their destination. Fortunately, the injured individuals have been transported to the hospital for medical attention and are reportedly responding well to treatment. Thankfully, no lives were lost in this distressing incident.
