Suspected ‘Yahoo boy’s vehicle rams into traders in Benin market

A suspected internet fraudster, popularly known as a Yahoo boy, on Sunday rammed his Mercedes Benz saloon car into traders at the New Benin Market in Benin City, Edo State, injuring three people.

While three traders were reportedly injured in the crash, many others narrowly escaped death.

One of the traders, who identified herself as Sandra Osaro, gave the registration number of the vehicle as: Lagos LND 192 JZ.

The car, according to her, was driving from the Sokponba Road axis and lost control as the driver suddenly swerved onto Second East Circular Road before crashing into traders in the market.

The trader added that the fatality would have been devastating had the accident occurred on a Tuesday or Friday when the market usually bustles.

“This market is renowned for wholesale and retail trading in fairly used clothes and shoes. People from within and outside the State usual come here and buy, sell on Tuesday and Friday because that is the days traders open their bays.

ALSO READ: Niger govt reaffirms commitment to rule of law amid Badeggi radio controversy

“Because of the influx of people, traders usually trade on the roadsides and buyers buying on the roadsides as well,” Sandra added.

Another trader, simply identified as Mama Ivie, who escaped death by a whisker, expressed gratitude to God, noting that she had earlier survived a fatal accident.

“I went to church today (Sunday) for my Thanksgiving, having survived a fatal accident. After the close of service, I decided to come to the market to open for business.

“I was just approaching by stand when this accident occured right before my eyes. The vehicle destroyed my stand and tables,” Mama Ivie volunteered.

Confirming the accident on Monday, Edo State Police Command Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Moses Yamu, said nobody died in the incident.

“No death was recorded. Three persons who sustained injuries are currently responding to treatment. Meanwhile, the reckless driver is under detention,” the PPRO added.

ALSO READ TOP STORIES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE