Although recordings of accident scenes and victims on smartphones have helped alert authorities about such mishaps in real time after they had been uploaded on the social media platforms, latest findings show that they have contributed to more losses than it had saved situations.
Unlike in the past when Nigerians hurry to accident scenes to save lives, many today have acquired the bizarre habit arriving at scenes only to make videos and share on social media.
That was the story of Obum Akunyili, one of the children of a former Director General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, late Prof. Dora Akunyili, said his late father, Chike, would not have died if medical intervention was provided at the scene of his attack.
Obum also stated that people who should have helped his late father, the driver and security man, after they were shot by gunmen, were busy making videos at the scene, instead of rushing them to the hospital for medical care.
He stated these as a witness concerning his late father, during the special session at the second public hearing of the Anambra State Truth, Justice and Peace Commission, in Awka.
The Truth, Justice and Peace Commission was constituted by Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo in June 2022 to inquire into the violent agitations and restiveness in the state and the South East.
The Commission, which is also a public hearing on violence and violence-related deaths in Anambra, was also commended by Obum for reinstalling hope and belief in the citizens.
The late Chike Akunyili was reportedly murdered by yet-to-be-identified gunmen on September 29, 2021, while returning to Enugu from an event in Onitsha, Anambra State where his late wife was given a posthumous award.
Obum regretted that their late father and his driver bled to death as no effort was made by those around to take him to the hospital for a possible survival chance.
He told the commission that his late father had about 10 per cent chance of surviving the gunshot wound on his head if there was timely medical intervention.
He said, “People who would have helped my father, his driver and security man were busy making a viral video of the scene, asking the driver who was calling out to them for help his name until they gave up.
“Sending messages on a WhatsApp group is not justice and not investigation. Prosecution is done with facts and knowledge. My late father had about 10 per cent chance of surviving the gunshot wound on his head, if there was timely medical intervention.”
He urged Nigerians to always render assistance to dying citizens instead of making videos of them.
While appreciating the commission, he said, “The chairman and commissioners are excellent, hard-working people with high goals for the people dedicated to peace, reconciliation, and a future for Anambra State.”
Responding, the Chairman of the commission, Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, said, “As leaders, actors, and institutions, we have a responsibility to foster hope. It is Truth, Justice and Peace Commission but above all, it is a Hope Commission.
Punch
