Five operatives of the Anambra State Special Anti-Touting Squad (SASA) have been crushed to death by a tipper driver in the Oba community, Idemili South Local Government Area of the state, on Friday.
According to SASA spokesperson Amb. Karen James, the incident occurred when a violent confrontation between tipper drivers and SASA members resulted in the tragic deaths of five operatives.
She said the incident, described by witnesses as a deliberate and coordinated attack by the drivers, has left the community in shock.
The spokesperson explained that the squad had entered the notorious garage in Oba for an enforcement operation. The area is known to be a hub for criminal activities, including armed robbery, drug dealing, and other illicit operations.
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“The SASA operatives were not there to block the drivers but to carry out their lawful duties when they were crushed to death. The claim that SASA attempted to block the tippers on the expressway is a blatant lie,” James stated emphatically.
Eyewitness reports indicate that as soon as the anti-touting squad arrived, tipper drivers armed with weapons surrounded them. In a desperate attempt to flee the hostile situation, the SASA officers tried to return to their base. However, the drivers allegedly blocked every escape route and deliberately rammed the officers with their tippers, killing five of them. Six others are in the hospital, and four are still missing.
James further alleged that the drivers orchestrated the attack to recover items previously confiscated during the operation. The assailants fled the scene after ensuring the officers were dead.
The police and other security agencies have launched a manhunt for the perpetrators, and investigations are underway. Authorities have promised to bring those responsible to justice and restore order to the troubled area.
This tragic event has sparked widespread outrage, with residents demanding increased security and a thorough crackdown on criminal elements in the Oba community.
The spokesperson also appealed to anyone with information about SASA going after the tipper drivers to come forward and assist with the investigation.
Confirming the incident, the State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said an investigation has commenced to determine the cause of the event.
