Dare Babalola
A devastating incident occurred on Wednesday along the Mabushi Bridge in Abuja, where a family of three lost their lives after their driver had an altercation with some louts. The louts allegedly stopped the private vehicle for flouting their rules by picking up a passenger, a relative, and demanded a “fine” from the driver.
When the driver refused to pay, the louts forced their way into the vehicle, dragged the steering wheel, and caused the car to crash, killing the family instantly.
According to eyewitnesses who spoke to Punch, the vehicle collided with a painted taxi near the Mabushi bridge before veering off the road into a ditch. The family, comprising a man, his wife, and their son, died on the spot. The louts, however, were not so fortunate.
Angered passersby who witnessed the scene chased them down, set one of them on fire, and severely injured the other two, who were later rescued and rushed to the hospital by the police.
This incident has once again brought to the fore the menace of louts and touts in Abuja, who have been known to harass private motorists and commercial drivers for alleged traffic infractions. The Mabushi area, in particular, has been notorious for traffic gridlock, touting activities, and occasional road rage incidents.
The activities of louts in Abuja have been a source of concern for residents and authorities alike. These individuals often operate near motor parks and bus stops, harassing drivers and passengers for alleged traffic infractions. In some cases, they even demand “fines” from drivers who refuse to comply with their demands.
In July 2024, the FCT Administration announced a clampdown on these louts, promising to prosecute offenders. However, it appears that more needs to be done to effectively address this issue. The incident on Mabushi Bridge is a stark reminder of the dangers posed by these individuals and the need for authorities to take decisive action.
The incident also highlights the importance of road safety in Nigeria. According to the Federal Road Safety Corps, 5,081 people lost their lives in road traffic accidents in 2023, a 21% decrease from the 6,456 deaths reported in 2022. While this represents a significant reduction, the fatality rate remains alarmingly high, underscoring the ongoing urgency of road safety interventions.
