AT least seven people have been confirmed dead following a fatal accident at the popular Nnung Oku Junction roundabout, which links Ring Road 3 and Stadium Road in Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
Eyewitnesses said the incident, which occurred over the weekend, involved a Toyota Corolla that veered off the road and rammed into bystanders waiting for commercial vehicles, as well as roadside traders.
Among the victims was a well-known bean cake (akara) seller, fondly called Mma Akara, who was swept off her usual spot when the vehicle somersaulted.
“The crash claimed several lives, including a popular hawker widely known as Mma Akara, who sold akara late into the night at Nnung Oku Junction. She died instantly when the Toyota Corolla lost control and somersaulted,” an eyewitness and pear hawker, Imaobong Udo, told newsmen.
“The accident happened so suddenly that nearby traders and passers-by had no chance to escape. It is very painful and heartbreaking that we lost so many lives, including Mma Akara, a hardworking woman who had served the community for years,” she added.
Confirming the incident, the Public Relations Officer of the Akwa Ibom Sector Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Mr Paul James, said the command was aware of the crash but had yet to confirm the exact number of casualties.
