A grieving family has been thrown into deep mourning following the death of a 16-year-old boy in a fatal road accident along the Onitsha–Awka Expressway, a highway that has remained under construction for over a decade.
The incident, which occurred on November 28, involved a commercial passenger bus and a tipper truck that collided head-on at Amawbia, Anambra State. The teenager, who was traveling with his aunt, lost his life instantly, while his aunt sustained multiple injuries and is currently receiving treatment in hospital.
According to the family, the deceased had been on a journey to Ebonyi State to visit his father, who is currently hospitalized and receiving treatment for a pelvic-related ailment. Due to poor network service, the travelers reportedly struggled for hours to locate the hospital and eventually decided to return to Onitsha. It was during this return journey that the tragic accident occurred.
The Onitsha–Awka road, spanning approximately 43 kilometres, has been under construction since the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan. Despite its designation as a dual carriageway, only one side of the road has been completed, forcing vehicles traveling in opposite directions to share a single lane. This situation has repeatedly resulted in fatal head-on collisions.
Residents and road users say the expressway has become a death trap. In April 2025 alone, two separate head-on collisions were recorded on the same road in one day—one in the afternoon and another in the evening—leading to the loss of several lives.
Following the November crash, police reportedly began processing compensation arrangements involving the tipper driver, who allegedly agreed to pay ₦500,000 to be shared among the families of eight victims. However, the family of the 16-year-old declined to be part of the arrangement, opting instead to allow the boy to be laid to rest without any monetary settlement.
The tragedy has further compounded the family’s hardship. The boy’s father remains hospitalized in Ebonyi State, while his mother, a roadside corn seller, has reportedly suspended all activities as she awaits the burial of her son. The boy’s remains are expected to arrive in Abakaliki by Tuesday, ahead of his burial.
The incident has renewed public outrage over the prolonged delay in completing the Onitsha–Awka road, with calls directed at the Anambra State Government and the Federal Government to urgently address the safety risks posed by the unfinished highway.
The family has appealed for support during this difficult period. Those willing to assist can reach the boy’s mother through the following account details:
Bank: Unity Bank
Account Name: Ugadu Rita Ukama
Account Number: 0053510512
This report was compiled from an account by Udeh Nicholas.
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