By Baraka John
Two people have died in separate road accidents in Ezo County, Western Equatoria State, with police warning motorists and motorcycle riders against reckless driving, excessive speed, and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
The accidents occurred on August 22 and 23, according to traffic police.
Col. Santo Arkangelo Ginana, Director of Traffic Police in Western Equatoria State, said police are investigating both incidents.
The first accident occurred on August 22 in Gangura Nabiapai Boma, where a three-year-old boy identified as Animamu was allegedly knocked down by a motorcycle ridden by 26-year-old Bazia Charles.
Col. Santo said the rider was allegedly speeding and fled the scene after the incident. Police later arrested him, and he remains in custody as investigations continue.
The second accident happened on August 23 along the road between Baragu and Andari. It involved boda-boda rider Tambua Emmanuel and 17-year-old Charles, who were travelling towards Ezo County.
Police said the two motorcycles collided, killing both individuals. Another person injured in the crash is currently receiving treatment at Ezo County Hospital.
“It is very difficult for traffic police officers to control speeding on highways. Some boda boda operators are reportedly using tramadol, which can contribute to reckless driving and road accidents. However, traffic officers have no authority to confiscate tramadol from them. The good news is that the governor has announced plans to ban the sale of tramadol in pharmacies. I believe that if tramadol is banned, cases of speeding and reckless driving in towns and on highways will be reduced,” said Santo.
Badumoyosa Christopher Alfred, Chairperson of the Boda-Boda Riders Association, urged motorcycle riders and other road users to reduce their speed and avoid travelling while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
“We need to reduce speed around schools, churches, markets, trading centres and other areas with high pedestrian traffic, especially where children are present. But road safety should not only be observed in these areas. Whenever you are travelling as a motor rider, you need to value life and remain cautious because anything can happen unexpectedly, as we witnessed in Ezo County,” said Badumoyosa
The accidents come amid growing concern over drug abuse among young people in Western Equatoria. Last week, Governor Badagbu Daniel Rimbasa also warned young people against substance abuse, saying it could destroy their future and contribute to wider social problems.