Nigerian Newspaper Publisher Reports Himself At Police Station After His Car Crushes Pedestrian To Death In Delta

A man who is yet to be identified man lost his life after being struck by a vehicle on the Ughelli-Patani Road before Agbarho in Delta State.

SaharaReporters gathered that the incident happened around 2:00 pm on Wednesday.

The car involved in the accident belongs to Jacob Abai, Publisher/CEO of GbaramatuVoice International.

Jacob Abai who walked into the Agbarho Police Station after the accident to surrender himself told SaharaReporters that a pedestrian suddenly appeared on the road while he was driving, leaving him with little time to react.

He explained that despite his efforts to swerve and avoid a collision, his vehicle unfortunately knocked down the individual.

He said, “I was en route to Asaba for a meeting when I encountered an unexpected obstacle in Ozoro – the road was obstructed by protesters.

“After monitoring the situation for several hours, realising there was no feasible way to proceed, I made the decision to turn back. It was during this return journey, on the Ughelli-Patani Road before Agbarho, that the unfortunate accident occurred.

“While navigating the Ughelli-Patani Road around 2:00 pm on Wednesday, February 21, a pedestrian suddenly appeared in my path, leaving me with little time to react. Despite my efforts to swerve and avoid a collision, my vehicle unfortunately struck the individual.

“Immediately following the incident, I halted and retraced my route in search of the pedestrian, yet regrettably, I was unable to locate the person. Faced with uncertainty and a sense of urgency, I proceeded to the Ebrumede Police Station, to report the incident. Upon arrival, I provided a detailed account of the events, and I was subsequently directed to Agbarho Police Station for further assistance.

“Upon reaching Agbarho Police Station, I personally reported the incident to the authorities. The police promptly went to the scene and discovered the body. Regrettably, they confirmed that the man had passed away, and they (police) subsequently took him to the mortuary for further procedures.

“As part of the standard investigative protocol, I was detained for further questioning. I am fully committed to cooperating with the authorities throughout their investigation into this tragic incident. My deepest condolences go out to the family and loved ones of the deceased. This unforeseen event has left me deeply shaken and devastated.”

“I express my sincere gratitude to all those involved in responding to this situation, including the police officers and emergency personnel who handled the matter with professionalism and compassion,” he added.

Meanwhile, the spokesperson for the Delta State Police Command, Bright Edafe, who confirmed the incident to SaharaReporters said the investigation was ongoing.

“Yes, there was an accident and someone died; the issue that somebody ran into the road is immaterial.

“He actually reported himself and it’s our duty to keep him in the station. He is presently in our custody, while investigation is ongoing,” Edafe said.