A family in Cross River State has called for a full investigation into the death of a Nigerian Civil Defence officer, Christopher Ashibi, who was killed in a hit-and-run incident near the state secretariat on April 11, 2026.
Ashibi, described by relatives as a devoted husband and father, was reportedly struck by a vehicle while walking along the roadside after attending a private engagement. He was said to be off duty at the time.
His wife, Deborah Ashibi, said the officer was not attempting to cross the road when the incident occurred.
“He was not crossing the road, he was just walking by the side when the vehicle hit him,” she said.
Eyewitness accounts relayed to the family alleged that the driver failed to stop after hitting the victim. One witness claimed the driver briefly returned to the scene before fleeing again.
“The driver came back, looked at him, saw that he was still breathing and drove off,” the witness alleged.
The deceased’s wife said her husband was left unattended for some time despite still showing signs of life shortly after the crash
“He was still breathing. If he had been rushed to the hospital immediately, he might have survived,” she said.
The tragedy has left the family devastated, with the couple’s eldest son, Shedrack Ashibi, describing the loss as overwhelming.
“I never knew my father would leave us so early. He was the one supporting everything for us,” he said.
Ashibi is survived by his wife and children aged between six and 19 years. The family says his death has plunged them into financial hardship.
Mrs. Ashibi, who is currently unemployed, appealed for government intervention to support the family.
“How do I cater for my children?” she asked. “I want the government to help us. I don’t have work.”
She urged authorities to consider employment assistance and other forms of support to help sustain the family and ensure the children’s education.