- Arthur, a Para-Badminton Silver Medalist with a disability, was the family head, set to represent Nigeria in Disabled Badminton competition in the USA on August 14, 2023
- Arthur on motorcycle with some children, wife, and others were on separate motorcycles, all on their way when the collision happened
- Arthur, wife, and 14-month-old child die on scene, while house help and two sons pass out away later at Owerri hospital
A tragic accident occurred in Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State, claiming the lives of a family of five and their house help, reportedly caused by a reckless driver driving against traffic.
The devastating incident took place at Umudibia community, near the maternity junction close to the Federal Polytechnic Nekede in Owerri, on Sunday, August 5, 2023.
The head of the family, identified as Arthur, also known as Agwu Oti Aka, was a Para-Badminton Silver Medalist, despite his disability. He had been preparing to represent Nigeria in a Disabled Badminton competition scheduled for August 14, 2023, in the United States.
Tragedy struck as Arthur was riding a motorcycle with some of his children, while his wife, house help, and other children were on two additional motorcycles, all on their way. The reckless incident claimed the lives of Arthur, his wife, and their 14-month-old child at the scene. Sadly, his house help and two sons succumbed to their injuries later at an Owerri hospital.
Prince Mekoyor, a neighbor of the grieving family, confirmed the heart-wrenching event on Wednesday, August 9. He disclosed that the irresponsible driver, suspected to be intoxicated, veered off his lane and collided with the family, leading to this tragic loss of lives.
“Arthur as I fondly called the deceased was living in the same house with me at Weathral till this last Sunday when he perished with his family. He has only one hand and was about to represent the country on Disabled Badminton competition in the USA on the 14th August 2023. He runs a restaurant at Polynek school junction,” he explained.
Mekoyor stated that the individual behind the wheel of the RX 3:30 Lexus SUV was not its owner, rather someone who had borrowed the vehicle to facilitate a cash withdrawal for a beverage purchase at Holy Family junction Poly Nekede.
Mekoyor narrated how the driver swiftly drove to an ATM located at the Master’s Energy fuel station on Aba Road in Owerri. Upon returning, however, the driver’s ability to steer the vehicle was compromised, leading to a loss of control at Maternity Junction Polynek. Tragically, this resulted in a head-on collision with Arthur’s family.
“He was on top speed on his way back and he lost control of the steering at Maternity junction, Umuokoto on Polynek-Ihiagwa road. He ended up knocking down a man and the entire family of Arthur face to face. Arthur and his family were on their way home at 11:05pm whereas the suspect was heading back to the joint after collecting money at the ATM,” Mekoyo said
“He left his right lane and rammed into Arthur and family. Arthur was carrying his wife and his last born (daughter) of one year and two months on his red Windy Motorbike, whereas another bike was carrying his maid and two boys of about 7 and 5 years. He died on the spot with his first child whereas the wife, baby, second child, house help and the bike man died at FMC Owerri,”
He further revealed that a different man who happened to be on the same lane also fell victim to the same car, along with his wife and child, suffering severe injuries.
Confirming the incident, ASP Henry Okoye, the spokesperson for the State Police Command, mentioned that three individuals who were part of the accident were currently under medical care at an undisclosed hospital.