Rivers mother seeks justice after driver kills three children

A woman, Amarachi Promise Esomonu, has demanded justice after losing her three children in a tragic accident in the Ogbunabali area of Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

It was gathered that a yet-to-be-identified man was allegedly teaching his girlfriend how to drive when the woman, who was behind the wheel, rammed into the family’s residence, killing the three children, all of whom were toddlers.

A resident of the area, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the incident occurred on May 15.

“The children were aged 10, four and three years respectively,” the source said.

“They were at home in Ogbunabali when it happened. A young man was teaching his girlfriend how to drive. While she was driving, people started shouting. Before we knew what was happening, the car had crashed into the woman’s house.

“That was how her three children lost their lives. It is very painful. The mother has been crying uncontrollably because the children were all in school,” the source added.

In a viral video seen by our correspondent on Wednesday, the distraught mother was seen sobbing uncontrollably while calling for justice.

Mrs Esomonu lamented that those responsible for the tragedy had shown little concern, saying she thinks about her children every day.

The grieving mother said the alarm she usually sets to prepare her children for school still rings every weekday morning, but the children are no longer there.

“Every day I wake up in the morning and remember them. Every day, my alarm rings, but there are no children for me to prepare for school again.

“Their killers are comfortable. They are not saying anything,” she said amid tears.

Confirming the incident, the Rivers State Police Public Relations Officer, Grace Iringe-Koko Agabe, in a statement issued on Tuesday, said the Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, had ordered a thorough investigation into the matter.

While commiserating with the bereaved family, Agabe said the tragic incident had generated widespread grief and concern across the state.

She stated that the CP extended his condolences to the family and assured them that justice would be served.

“The Rivers State Police Command is deeply saddened by the tragic incident, which reportedly claimed the lives of three children from the same family. The unfortunate development has generated widespread grief and concern within the state,” the statement read.

“The Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, extends his heartfelt condolences and profound sympathy to the bereaved family during this difficult and painful period. He prays that God grants the family the strength and fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.”

The statement added that the command had commenced a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

“The Commissioner of Police wishes to assure the affected family and the general public that the command has commenced a thorough investigation into the incident.

“He further reassures all concerned that every necessary step will be taken to ensure that justice is not only served but also manifestly seen to be served in accordance with the law.

“The command remains committed to uncovering the circumstances surrounding the incident and ensuring that anyone found culpable is brought to justice.

“Members of the public are urged to remain calm, avoid spreading unverified information, and cooperate with investigators as inquiries continue.

“The Rivers State Police Command once again sympathises with the bereaved family and reiterates its unwavering commitment to the protection of lives and the pursuit of justice,” the statement added.