New Year’s Day turned tragic in Obegu-Aba, Ozibo, Ebonyi Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, as two young men died in a fatal crash involving a Toyota Corolla believed to be from the Ebonyi State Government House, and a motorcycle.
The accident, which occurred around 7:40 a.m. along the Obegu-Aba/Ogbaga Road, left the community in shock as residents woke up to the sight of the mangled motorcycle and a damaged metallic Corolla with registration number 241-EBGH.
The driver of the car, which bore an Ebonyi State Government official number plate, reportedly fled the scene moments after the collision.
The victims were identified as 19-year-old Mgbebu Elijah, who was riding the red CY80 motorcycle, and his passenger, 19-year-old Mbam Chidera. They were rushed to the Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki (FETHA) by police officers who arrived swiftly at the scene.
Sadly, doctors confirmed both young men were dead on arrival.
State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Joshua Ukandu, said the command has launched a manhunt for the fleeing driver.
“Our officers mobilised quickly and evacuated the victims, but the doctor on duty declared them dead. The driver escaped, but efforts are ongoing to trace and arrest him,” Ukandu said.
The heartbreaking incident has cast a pall over the New Year celebrations in the community, with residents calling for safer roads and stricter enforcement to curb reckless driving.
