By Ighomuaye Lucky. O
Tongues have started wagging about what could have led a teenage boy, full of life and prospect to have driven himself into a popular Ikpoba River located at Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area of Edo State and rejected attempt to be helped.
Recall that a teenager whose identity was yet to be identified on Thursday, drove a Mercedes-Benz GLK worth about N22 million into the Ikpoba Hill River in Benin City, the Edo State capital, and refused to by rescued by sympathizers.
The incident, which occurred at a car wash near the river along the Ikpoba Hill axis, left residents in disbelief as the driver allegedly refused to exit the submerged vehicle despite repeated pleas by concerned citizens.
It was learnt that the young boy had driven the vehicle to the facility for washing and, shortly after the car was washed, he entered the SUV and suddenly zoomed straight into the river.
Residents in the area were said to have quickly mobilised and made frantic efforts to save him after the vehicle went under.
However, the driver reportedly remained inside the car, creating a tense and bewildering scene.
He was eventually forcefully pulled out of the vehicle by residents, as seen in a viral video of the incident.
An eye witness who simply identified himself as Osazee said: “As soon as the vehicle plunged into the river, we mobilised and entered the water to rescue the driver. We were surprised when he refused to come out.”
However, the reason for his behaviour has finally surfaced as he was heard in the video, claiming he took the action due to financial pressure from family members and friends, although the claim could not be independently verified.
As of the time of filing this report, the circumstances surrounding the incident remained unclear, while the condition of the driver could not be immediately ascertained.
The Edo State Police Command and officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) were yet to issue an official statement as of press time.
