Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Tragedy struck the bustling streets of Calabar, the capital of Cross River State, on Monday, May 25, 2026, as a hit-and-run driver reportedly speeding in a Lexus SUV ploughed into a commercial motorcycle along Marian Road, killing the rider and two female passengers instantly. The incident occurred during the evening rush hour when the Lexus, racing down the busy thoroughfare, collided with the motorcycle, which had no license plate. Eyewitnesses told reporters that the impact was so severe that the motorcyclist died on the spot, while the two women sustained critical injuries and were rushed to a nearby hospital, where they were later pronounced dead. The driver of the Lexus did not stop after the crash and remains at large.
A roadside noodle vendor, who gave his name only as Daniel, said he witnessed the collision and recounted that the dying motorcyclist managed to utter that he lived in the Idang area of Calabar before succumbing to his injuries. The bodies of the three victims were subsequently evacuated to the General Hospital mortuary. The Cross River State Police Command has launched a manhunt for the fleeing driver, but as of Wednesday, May 27, no arrest had been reported. The incident has reignited concerns over reckless driving and the prevalence of unregistered motorcycles, known locally as “okada,” which ply the city’s roads despite a ban in some parts of the state.
In a separate but equally disturbing development on the same day, a commercial minibus driver allegedly stabbed a traffic enforcement officer to death during a confrontation in the Marian Hills area of Calabar. The deceased officer, identified as Akerete Okon, was a member of the Traffic Management and Regulatory Agency (TRAMRA), the state’s traffic enforcement body. According to a statement issued by TRAMRA management, the incident occurred around 10:00 a.m. while officials were conducting a routine traffic enforcement operation. The commercial minibus driver, identified as Godwin Ukpai Okobo, allegedly became involved in a dispute with the officers, during which he produced a screwdriver and stabbed Okon in the chest. The officer was rushed to a hospital but was later confirmed dead.
“The Traffic Management and Regulatory Agency expresses deep sorrow and outrage over the murder of one of our officers, who was fatally stabbed in the chest with a screwdriver by a commercial minibus driver while on duty,” the TRAMRA statement read. The agency noted that the officer was in uniform, unarmed, and carrying out his lawful responsibilities when he was attacked without provocation. “Despite attempts to save him, our colleague succumbed to his injuries. His death is a significant loss to TRAMRA and the community he served with commitment,” the statement continued. The agency called for swift justice and urged the police to ensure that the perpetrator is prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer for the Cross River State Command, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, said preliminary investigations indicated that the commercial driver was involved in a confrontation with TRAMRA officials prior to the officer’s death. “The Command is aware of this unfortunate event. Preliminary information indicates that Godwin Ukpai Okobo, a commercial minibus driver, was engaged in a confrontation with TRAMRA officials around Marian Hills, Calabar, which allegedly led to the death of Mr. Akerete Okon, a TRAMRA officer, after he was taken to the hospital,” Eitokpah said. He confirmed that investigations have begun to ascertain the precise circumstances surrounding the incident and assured the public that the police would carry out a thorough and unbiased investigation. The suspect, Godwin Okoko (as named in an earlier police press release), was arrested and is currently in custody at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Calabar.
The two tragedies have cast a somber shadow over Calabar, a city known for its relative peace and order. The hit-and-run incident has highlighted the dangers posed by unregistered commercial motorcycles and the growing culture of reckless driving, while the killing of the traffic officer has raised questions about the safety of law enforcement personnel performing their duties. TRAMRA, which has been at the forefront of efforts to enforce traffic regulations and decongest the city’s roads, has faced periodic resistance from commercial drivers who view the agency’s activities as overly stringent. However, the fatal stabbing of an unarmed officer has been widely condemned by civil society groups, transport unions, and residents.
Governor Bassey Otu has not yet issued a personal statement on the incidents, but the state government has expressed its condolences to the families of the three hit-and-run victims and to the family of the slain traffic officer. The government has also pledged to support the police in ensuring that both cases are diligently prosecuted. The state’s Commissioner for Transport has announced plans to intensify enforcement of the ban on unlicensed motorcycles and to review the security protocols for traffic enforcement personnel.
As the investigation continues, the bodies of the three hit-and-run victims remain at the morgue, awaiting identification by family members. The motorcyclist’s final words—that he lived in the Idang area—may help police trace his relatives. Meanwhile, the commercial driver suspected of killing the TRAMRA officer is expected to face charges of murder and assault on a public officer, which carry severe penalties under Nigerian law. For the families of the four individuals who lost their lives in a single day, the pain is immeasurable, and the demand for justice is urgent.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters News | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments