By: Problyn J. Alpha
Njagbema Junction, Kono District, In a heartbreaking turn of events, the Town Chief of Bakidu, Aiah Barbam, lost his life in a tragic road accident on the very day of his wedding. The fatal collision, involving at least two unregistered motorbikes, occurred at Njagbema Junction in the Nimikoro Chiefdom, Kono District.
According to Sergeant 9770 Amara B., attached to the Traffic Department of the Motema Divisional Police Headquarters, the accident took place when the deceased requested his nephew to escort him on a motorbike to his wedding ceremony.
While both unregistered motorbikes were reportedly moving in the same direction, the nephew who was leading attempted a sudden U-turn without signaling. This led to a collision with the second rider, resulting in fatal injuries to Chief Aiah Barbam. Both motorbike riders sustained serious injuries and are currently receiving treatment at the Koidu Government Hospital.
Sergeant Amara B. confirmed that investigations are ongoing. He also noted that the two unregistered motorbikes involved in the incident have not yet been recovered, as they were removed from the scene before police arrived.
The remains of Chief Aiah Barbam were handed over to his family after a postmortem examination at the Koidu Government Hospital.
The police report further revealed that road accidents caused by unauthorized U-turns and violations of traffic regulations are on the rise in the Motema Police Division’s jurisdiction.
A grieving family member, in tears, recounted the pain of the loss. “Our father left the house to buy drinks for his wedding celebration, but he never returned. We were only told he passed away at the hospital,” the family member lamented.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by unregulated road use and the urgent need for stronger traffic enforcement in the region.