BENIN CITY- Operatives of Edo State Police Command have launched a serious manhunt for a reckless driver who allegedly killed a mother and her six-year old son in Benin City.
The incident occurred at Oro Street, Off five junction in the state capital on May 22, 2022.
The Public Relations Officer for Edo State Police Command SP Chidi Nwabuzor stated this while giving update of investigation into the incident.
He identified the fleeing driver as Ehiaguina Austin Omos.
The accident victims were identified as madam Okiro Uwa, 47 and her son, Isaac.
SP Nwabuzor explained that police investigation so far has revealed that the man had never been issued a license to drive adding that the vehicle does not have valid particulars at the time of the accident.
“We have invited the owner of the vehicle who stated that though himself and Mr Ehiaguina Austin are neighbours, he did not authorize him to use his car for any purpose. He said the car was packed in his compound as he went to observe his siesta.
“Going by the statements of the owner of the ill-fated car, the driver Ehiaguina Austin will be charged accordingly.
“I will not want to reveal all our investigations now, however, our investigators have impounded the car driven by the driver and it is packed in one of our police facilities.
“The driver escaped from the scene of the accident, but we are searching for him, he can run, but he cannot hide.” SP Nwabuzor said.
An officer of the Edo State Traffic Management Agency, ESTMA said he saw the driver opened the door and took to his heels as passers-by screamed for help for the mother and son.
He said that the victims died on their way to hospital owing to the fatal injuries sustained.
“The dangerous and reckless manner he drove baffled us.
“I want people to know that failure to report an accident and engaging in dangerous driving of that magnitude attract criminal penalties”.
The EDSTMA officer stated.
Meanwhile, residents of state have continued to call on relevant security agencies to ensure that the hit-and-run driver is brought to justice to serve as deterrant to others.
