A 19-year-old boy, Chibuike Friday, has died after he was struck by a speeding vehicle near the front gate of Imo State University (IMSU) in Owerri, Imo State.
The incident occurred on Sunday night when the driver, identified as 30-year-old Chibuike Dike of Ejemekwuru in Oguta Local Government Area, allegedly lost control of his Lexus ES 350 while driving at high speed.
According to the Imo State Police Command, the suspect was engaged in an unauthorized street race with another vehicle at the time of the crash. Police spokesperson Henry Okoye said the driver rammed into Friday, who was crossing the road, and also hit other pedestrians along the route.
"The driver was driving at an excessive speed and was said to have engaged in an unauthorised street racing activity with another driver at the IMSU front gate when he lost control of the steering and struck the boy to death," Okoye said in a statement issued on Monday.
Police officers from the Orji Division responded to a distress call, arrested the suspect, and rescued him from an angry mob at the scene.
The injured victims were taken to a hospital for treatment. Friday was confirmed dead, while another victim, identified as Bright Ukwuoma, is currently receiving medical care.
The body of the deceased has been deposited in a morgue pending preservation and autopsy.
The Commissioner of Police in Imo State, Audu Bosso, condemned the incident and has directed the State Traffic Department to carry out a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
The police assured residents that the suspect will be prosecuted upon the conclusion of investigations and warned motorists against excessive speeding, reckless driving, and other traffic violations.
