ABUJA – A tragic incident in the Berger area of the Federal Capital Territory has claimed the life of a female Point of Sale (POS) operator, who was struck by a commercial bus allegedly being pursued by officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) on Monday morning.
According to multiple eyewitnesses, the victim had just arrived for work and was crossing the road near the Total filling station after buying food when a coaster bus, speeding during a chase with FRSC operatives, hit her.
Eyewitness Accounts of the Chase and Aftermath
Witnesses reported that neither the fleeing bus nor the FRSC vehicle stopped after the collision. The victim lay critically injured on the road for several minutes before police from the Utako Division arrived, by which time she had succumbed to her injuries.
A commuter who identified himself as Johnson stated, “The coaster bus hit the woman and threw her to the other side of the road. The driver did not stop. The FRSC vehicle also did not stop. They continued chasing at high speed.”
Local mechanics and a newspaper vendor in the area corroborated the account, confirming that the fatal collision occurred during the pursuit and that both vehicles sped away from the scene.
Community Frustration and FRSC Response
The incident has sparked anger among local business operators, who claim that high-speed chases by traffic officials in the densely populated area are common. Another POS operator in the vicinity noted that a similar chase occurred just two days prior, narrowly avoiding casualties.
In response to the reports, the FCT Sector Commander of the FRSC, Mr. Felix Theman, confirmed that an investigation has been launched.
“I have recalled all patrol teams, particularly within the central area here, Zone 7, and surrounding areas, to determine whether any of our patrol units were actually involved,” Theman stated. He cautioned that the public does not always correctly identify official patrol vehicles but pledged that the Corps would issue a statement once its findings are conclusive.
Police Investigation and Pending Details
Efforts to obtain an official statement from the FCT Police Command regarding the incident were not immediately successful. The victim's body was reportedly taken from the scene by police, who are also investigating the circumstances surrounding her death.
The tragedy highlights ongoing concerns over public safety during law enforcement operations in busy urban corridors and has prompted calls for a review of pursuit protocols in densely populated areas.
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