The 82 Division of the Nigerian Army has refuted reports that its checkpoint at Ugwu Onyeama was responsible for a tragic accident that claimed 25 lives on June 11, 2024 in Enugu State.
According to a statement on the X handle of the Army on Thursday, the division clarified that it does not operate a checkpoint in the area, but rather a base to combat kidnappings.
The army expressed condolences to the families of the victims and wished the injured a speedy recovery.
The statement reads in part, “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.
“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 the area was hitherto known for.
“This, report is inaccurate and full of falsehood that are meant to tarnish the appreciable efforts of the troops. It is therefore necessary to set the records straight.
“First, the Division wishes to condole and commiserate with the families whose loved ones were involved in the tragic incident and also pray for the speedy recovery of those injured.
“It would be recalled that the rehabilitation of the road was concluded in December and the road opened in first quarter of this year. Since then, the troops only have a base and the barriers used for the checkpoint were removed.
“Due to the steep gradient of the road, the section have remained problematic since the 1990s before, during and after the checkpoints were removed.
“The accident that occured yesterday happened about 300m ahead of the soldiers’ base. Preliminary investigation revealed that the accident occurred due to a brake failure of a trailer coming down slope from 9th Mile Axis. The trailer rammed into other incoming vehicles from Enugu and not those coming from same Axis of 9th Mile with it. Hence, the crash was a head-on and not a rear collision. Thus, the soldiers never stopped any vehicle on the road for any checking but served as a responder to the accident.
According to preliminary investigations, the accident occurred due to brake failure, resulting in a head-on collision.
Only two people died at the scene, contrary to reports of 25 fatalities.
“Also, while loss of any life is unfortunate, however, only 2 people died at the scene of the accident and not 25 cases being reported. It is disheartening to accuse the military of causing the accident. The Division is not unaware of the efforts of the kidnappers and illegal miners in the area to get rid of the checkpoint.”
