The Ebonyi State Police Command says the driver and conductor of a water truck have been lynched in the state after their vehicle crushed five children.
The driver was identified as Ewa Innocent while the conductor’s name was given as Ojim Danis.
According to a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRP), Loveth Odah, an irate mob set the duo ablaze.
She disclosed that the incident occurred in Oshiri in Onicha Local Government Area on Monday.
“On Monday through a distress call, the DPO of Onicha was contacted that an accident happened killing five school children and angry youths attacked the driver and killed him.
“The driver, Ewa Innocent, is from Ameka Ikwo while the conductor, Ojim Danis, is from Agharazo, Iyiemgu Izzi,” the statement read in part.
Reports say the deceased children were pupils of St Michaels Schools, Oshiri and the accident occurred at Onu Nworiegu, Oshiri as they were heading to their home in Amaokpara village from school.
The water truck that ran them over reportedly belonged to a company known as C- Sagas project Nigeria Limited.
Odah stated that the children, the bus driver and conductor were confirmed dead by a doctor in the hospital.
She added that the corpses of the driver and conductor were recovered and deposited at Onicha general hospital, noting that no one has come forward to claim the bodies.
The police spokesperson urged road users to exercise caution when on the road especially during the “ember” month period.