Horror and grief have enveloped Nkpologu community in Enugu state following the the tragic death of one of their sons by Hit-and-run bus driver in the state.
Paul Ikechukwu Obodo, a police Inspector was said to have lost his life in a fatal hit-and-run accident under circumstances that have sparked widespread speculation of foul play, assassination and evil deed.
WITHIN NIGERIA gathered that the late officer who holds a PhD (Doctorate degree) was serving in the Operations Department of the Enugu State Police Command Headquarters when the devastating incident occurred.
At first, it was alleged in the social media that the late Dr. Obodo had been knocked down by a police convoy but the command swiftly broke its silence, dismissing the claims as unverified and misleading.
Wife demands justice
In the meantime, the wife of the late officer, Mrs Ngozi Isiwu-Obodo has appealed to the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, to launch a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding her husband’s death in Enugu State.
Mrs Ngozi Isiwu-Obodo said her husband was allegedly knocked down by a convoy along the New Haven–Bisala Road at about 7:00 p.m. on July 9, 2026, while on his way to work.
According to eyewitness accounts presented by the family, the convoy allegedly left the scene after the crash, with the officer’s body reportedly dragged along the road together with his service rifle.
The grieving widow went further to state that she was devastated by the loss and urged the police leadership to ensure that a full investigation is conducted and that anyone found responsible is held accountable.
In her words, “My husband was a dedicated officer who served with commitment. I want the IGP to intervene and uncover the truth behind his death,” she said.
She also alleged that the Enugu State Police Command had not contacted the family or offered condolences since the incident, describing the situation as an additional source of pain.
Police gives details of the incident
Confirming the incident in an official statement, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe, explained that there is currently no evidence linking any police convoy to the fatal crash.
Ndukwe stressed that the command considered it necessary to address the growing rumours while investigations continue.
He described the incident as both tragic and heartbreaking, while assuring residents that detectives were working tirelessly to uncover the identity of the driver responsible for the deadly hit-and-run.
The statement partly read thus; “the Enugu State Police Command has launched a manhunt for the driver and conductor of a Mitsubishi L300 commercial bus for the offences of conspiracy, serious assault on police officers, dangerous driving, attempted murder, and the snatching of a Police rifle.
“The incident occurred at about 1:20 p.m. on July 9, 2026, at All Saints Roundabout, along Abakaliki Road, Enugu.
“Acting on information received from the Command’s Control Room that the driver and conductor had assaulted a traffic police officer on duty, operatives of the Command’s Distress Response Squad (DRS) intercepted and flagged down the vehicle.
“However, instead of submitting to arrest, the driver deceptively slowed down before suddenly accelerating in an attempt to escape.
“In the process, he knocked down one of the operatives and dragged away the officer’s AK-47 rifle, which had become entangled with the vehicle.
“During the ensuing pursuit, the suspects threw the rifle out of the vehicle at IMT Bus Stop along the same road before speeding off. The rifle was immediately recovered intact, with its ammunition.
“The Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwahas ordered a comprehensive investigation and intensified efforts to arrest and prosecute the fleeing suspects.
“He warned the driver and conductor to voluntarily present themselves to the Police for proper investigation, as every lawful measure is being deployed to apprehend them.
“CP Giwa further urged the public to disregard misleading narratives surrounding the incident and cautioned against assaulting or obstructing police officers in the lawful discharge of their duties, stressing that such acts are serious criminal offences that will be dealt with decisively in accordance with the law.
“Losing a police officer or any other person in such circumstances is deeply disheartening and must be thoroughly investigated. However, there is no evidence establishing that a police convoy was involved in the fatal hit-and-run motor-pedestrian accident at this time,” he stated
