Authorities in Nigeria say three street touts will be charged with murder following the deaths of a man, his wife and their child in a car crash triggered by an attempted vehicle hijack in Abuja.
The tragedy occurred under the Mabushi Bridge after the suspects reportedly pursued the family from the Berger axis, forced their way into the SUV, and fought with the driver for control of the steering. The vehicle veered into a concrete pillar before plunging into a drainage canal. All three family members died instantly.
The incident caused widespread outrage in the city. A mob at the scene lynched one of the suspects, while two others were rescued by police and taken to hospital with serious injuries.
Police sources confirmed that the suspects will face murder charges once investigations are completed. “They will definitely face the consequences of their actions,” one officer said.
The killings have reignited public anger over the activities of touts, locally called agberos, who are accused of harassment and extortion in Abuja and other Nigerian cities. One witness, identified as Moses, said: “Abuja citizens are tired of agberos and they should be flushed out of society. Now, a family of three is gone.”
The victims, who were returning home after purchasing a refrigerator, have been laid to rest in a city mortuary as the investigation continues.
