Five traders were
killed and several others injured on Wednesday after a military vehicle attached to the Forward Operating Base (FOB), Wukari, reportedly lost control and rammed into traders at Peva Market in Takum Local Government Area of Taraba State
The incident occurred after military personnel had escorted traders from Wukari to Takum to provide security along the route, which has witnessed repeated cases of kidnapping and other violent attacks.
A resident, Tony David, who spoke on the incident, said the traders had displayed their goods by the roadside near the Chanchanji axis when the military vehicle suddenly veered off the road and struck them.
“The crash killed five people on the spot and left several others with varying degrees of injuries,” David said.
He added that the bodies of the deceased and the injured were taken to Takum General Hospital for treatment and further medical procedures.
The incident has thrown traders and residents into mourning, with calls for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Unconfirmed reports circulating on social media alleged that the driver of the vehicle was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the incident. The claim, however, could not be independently verified as of press time.
Peva Market is located within Chanchanji Ward, an area that has experienced security challenges, including attacks and kidnappings, in recent months.
Military personnel attached to FOB Wukari have consequently been providing escorts for traders travelling along the route as part of efforts to protect them from attacks.
The Acting Public Relations Officer of the 6 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Jalingo, Lieutenant Umar Mohammed, said the military was looking into the incident.
“I’m on it; I will get back to you soon,” he told LEADERSHIP.
The Taraba State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Victor Mshelizah, also said he was seeking confirmation from the Divisional Police Officer in Takum.
Mshelizah said he initially learnt of the crash through a social media post and would establish the casualty figures and other details from the DPO.
“As soon as I get details from the DPO in Takum, I will get back to you,” he said.
The bodies of the deceased and injured victims were said to remain at Takum General Hospital as authorities investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.
