Three members of a family have lost their lives in a tragic road accident while returning from crossover night prayers in Rivers State.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Thursday, January 1, 2026, at the Obiri Ikwerre flyover, along the Port Harcourt–Aba Expressway. The victims were reportedly heading to their residence in Rumuokini, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, when their vehicle rammed into a stationary sewage truck parked on the flyover.
Those who died in the accident were identified as the father of the family, Mr. Ahmed, his five-year-old daughter, Sheila, and his brother, Azeez. The vehicle was said to have been driven by the first son of the family, a fashion designer, who sustained life-threatening injuries alongside other occupants. They are currently receiving treatment at a hospital.
Confirming the incident, the Rivers State Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Grace Iringe-Koko, said two of the victims died on the spot, while others were rushed to the hospital for medical attention. She added that investigations had commenced to determine the cause of the accident.
Meanwhile, the family of the deceased has blamed the tragedy on the alleged indiscriminate parking of a waste collection truck on the flyover. Speaking to journalists, the deceased’s brother, Engr. Amoo Muideen Ajiboye, alleged that the truck was parked without any warning signs or safety precautions, contrary to standard road safety practices.
He called on the Rivers State Government and relevant waste management agencies to investigate the incident and ensure that contractors comply with safety regulations, warning that similar negligence had claimed several lives across the state.
