The 82nd Division of the Nigerian Army has responded to allegations linking its checkpoint to the multiple car accidents that occurred on Tuesday at the Ugwu Onyeama axis of the Enugu-Onitsha expressway.
The Army insists that the crash was not caused by their checkpoint.
News About Nigeria reported on Wednesday that witnesses blamed military checkpoints along the hill road for the accident, which claimed four lives and injured many others.
Videos circulating on social media also suggested that the military checkpoints contributed to the crash.
In a statement released on Thursday, the Nigerian Army clarified that the accident occurred 300 metres before their base, not at a checkpoint.
They accused illegal miners and kidnappers in the area of attempting to discredit the military’s efforts to ensure safety.
“The attention of Headquarters 82 Division Nigerian Army has been drawn to the news circulating in some mainstream and social media platforms attributing the Division’s Checkpoint at Ugwu Onyeama as the cause of an unfortunate and tragic accident that claimed 25 lives on 11 June 2024,” the statement read.
“On receipt of the information from an online journalist that sought clarification about the incident, he was informed one-off that the Division does not have a checkpoint there but rather, it has a Location/Base by the roadside to curb the incessant kidnappings in the area was hitherto known for.”
The Army stated that the report was inaccurate and intended to tarnish their efforts.
“It is therefore necessary to set the records straight,” the statement added.
The Army expressed condolences to the families affected by the incident and wished the injured a speedy recovery.
They noted that the road had been rehabilitated and reopened earlier this year, with the barriers previously used for checkpoints removed.
Despite the improvements, the steep gradient of the road has remained problematic.
“Preliminary investigation revealed that the accident occurred due to a brake failure of a trailer coming downslope from 9th Mile Axis. The trailer rammed into other incoming vehicles from Enugu and not those coming from the same Axis of 9th Mile with it. Hence, the crash was a head-on and not a rear collision,” the statement explained.
The Army further clarified that only two people died at the scene, contrary to reports of 25 fatalities.
They assured the public of their commitment to protecting lives and property, despite efforts by kidnappers and illegal miners to remove the checkpoint.
“The law-abiding citizens are once again assured of the commitment of 82 Division Nigerian Army to continue to serve them as the Nigerian Army remains the Peoples’ Army,” the statement concluded.
The general public was urged to disregard the false reports and trust in the Army’s ongoing efforts to maintain safety and security in the area.
