Hoodlums attack truck driver, set vehicle ablaze in Imo

Tension has gripped Ogi Junction in Okigwe Local Government Area of Imo State after armed hoodlums, wielding cutlasses, brutally attacked a truck driver, Dallami Yunusa, leaving him with severe injuries before setting his vehicle on fire.

Confirming the incident to Daily Trust on Sunday, the Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) Heavy Truck Unit in Okigwe, Dahiru Musa Raza, described the attack as yet another tragic blow to road safety in the area.

The assault occurred on Tuesday, marking a disturbing repeat of violence at the same location. Barely two months ago, two truck drivers were killed and a vehicle loaded with garri was burnt in a similar incident.

Raza said Yunusa’s truck developed a mechanical fault, prompting him to go into town to get a mechanic.

While repairs were underway, two men on a motorcycle arrived, brandishing cutlasses.

“The mechanic and the assistant drivers fled, but the attackers went after Yunusa, wounding him severely.

“Thinking he was dead, they set the truck ablaze and fled,” Raza recounted.

Military personnel in Okigwe rushed to the scene after being alerted and found the driver alive.

He was taken to hospital and later transferred to Dala Orthopedic Hospital in Kano for further treatment.

The incident has been reported to the police, although Imo State Police Command spokesperson Henry Okoye said he was yet to be briefed and would contact the Divisional Police Officer in Okigwe for details.