Calabar witnessed two separate deadly incidents within hours on Monday, leaving residents shaken and raising fresh concerns over road safety and violence involving traffic enforcement operations in Cross River State.
The first tragedy occurred along Marian Road, where a speeding Lexus SUV allegedly rammed into a commercial motorcycle carrying two female passengers. All three victims later died from injuries sustained in the crash.
Eyewitnesses said the accident happened during the busy evening rush hour as vehicles struggled through traffic along one of Calabar’s busiest roads. The SUV was reportedly moving at high speed before crashing into the motorcycle.
The commercial motorcyclist died instantly at the scene, while the two women were rushed to a nearby hospital in critical condition. They were later confirmed dead by medical personnel.
A roadside food vendor identified simply as Daniel said the rider briefly spoke before he died, revealing that he lived in the Idang area of Calabar.
“The okada had no plate number and the Lexus driver did not stop after hitting the motorcycle,” the witness said.
The victims’ bodies were later moved to the General Hospital mortuary.
Hours earlier, another fatal incident had unfolded around Marian Hills involving officials of the Traffic Management and Regulatory Agency, TRAMRA.
A traffic officer identified as Akerete Okon reportedly died after sustaining serious injuries during an altercation with a commercial mini-bus driver during a routine enforcement exercise.
TRAMRA, in an official statement, alleged that the driver, identified as Godwin Ukpai Okobo, stabbed the officer in the chest with a screwdriver while he was carrying out his duties.
“He was unarmed, in uniform, and performing his lawful duty when he was attacked without provocation,” the agency stated.
The agency described the incident as a devastating loss, adding that efforts to save the officer’s life failed after he was rushed to hospital.
Confirming the development, Cross River Police spokesperson ASP Sunday Eitokpah said preliminary investigations showed that the driver was involved in a confrontation with traffic officials before the officer’s death.
He assured residents that the police command had commenced a full investigation into the incident and promised that anyone found culpable would face the law.
The twin tragedies have triggered renewed conversations about reckless driving, public safety and growing tensions during traffic enforcement operations across Nigerian cities.
