Crime

From New Beginnings to Heartbreak: Family Mourns Truck Driver Killed in Police Crossfire

Published by Tope Fakinlede on November 20th, 2024.

From New Beginnings to Heartbreak: Family Mourns Truck Driver Killed in Police Crossfire

On August 13, Victoria Ukwu was filled with happiness as her husband, Chinedu Ukwu, took her and their children to their newly built bungalow. For the couple, this was a dream come true—a long-awaited moment to finally own their own home.

Chinedu, a 62-year-old truck driver, had made a quick trip to their new house to drop off some belongings before heading out to Umuahia, the capital of Abia State, for a delivery. Before leaving, he reassured his 60-year-old wife that he would return the following day to celebrate the new house with her and the children.

Tragic Incident

However, tragedy struck on the 14th of August when Chinedu was caught in the crossfire of a shootout between two police teams in the Alaoji area of Aba, a major commercial center in Abia State. As reported by PREMIUM TIMES, the altercation involved police officers from the Aba Police Area Command and another team from Umuahia.

Witnesses claimed the officers may have mistaken each other for members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), a separatist group. Chinedu, a father of two, was returning home when he was fatally injured by a stray bullet during the chaotic exchange.

The truck driver, who hailed from Ikpeze-Uno in Imo State, had lived in Aba with his family. The police spokesperson, Maureen Chinaka, confirmed the shooting incident but stated that no credible evidence had been found to support claims that the officers mistook one another for IPOB militants. Chinaka confirmed that the gunfire led to the death of an innocent civilian.

Family’s Struggle

Victoria Ukwu was devastated when she received the news of her husband’s death on the afternoon of August 14. The sudden loss has left her family in deep mourning and hardship.

The widow and her children are now grappling with the challenges of life without Chinedu’s support. In addition to their two biological daughters, Victoria and Chinedu were also raising three children of Chinedu’s younger brother, Maduabuchi, who had moved in after losing his wife. Chinedu had been the primary breadwinner for the entire household, even financing the education of all five children.

Precious, their eldest daughter, is now married, and Chinonso, the second daughter, recently completed her National Youth Service Corps program. With no job to support herself, Victoria is left to navigate this new, difficult chapter of her life, hoping to find employment after her husband’s burial.

“It’s been so hard,” Victoria said, fighting back tears. “It’s like we’re starting from scratch. When my husband was alive, we had enough to eat three times a day, but now we’re struggling to get by. We rely on support from my daughter’s husband’s family and friends.”

More updates to follow.