Chaos in Benin! ‘Yahoo Boy’ Rams Benz into Market Crowd, Injures Three

A suspected internet fraudster, popularly referred to as a “Yahoo boy,” has been arrested by the Edo State Police Command after crashing his Mercedes-Benz saloon car into a group of traders at New Market in Benin City, injuring at least three people.

As reported by iReporter Online, the incident occurred on Sunday and involved a high-speed vehicle marked Lagos LND 192 JZ. The state police spokesperson, Moses Yamu, confirmed the development in a statement issued on Monday. He stated that while no fatalities were recorded, three individuals sustained injuries and are currently receiving medical attention.

The suspect, who allegedly lost control of the car while approaching the market from the Sakponba Road axis of Second East Circular Road, is currently in police custody pending further investigation.

Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic and distressing. A trader identified as Sandra Osaro recalled that the market was bustling with activity when the vehicle veered off the road, slamming into roadside stalls where vendors typically display second-hand clothing and shoes.

She lamented that the incident could have resulted in mass casualties had it occurred on a peak trading day like Tuesday or Thursday, when the market typically draws large crowds from across the state.

Another vendor, who gave her name as Mama Ivie, said she narrowly escaped death just moments after returning from a Thanksgiving service. She shared that her stall and display tables were completely destroyed in the crash, expressing gratitude for having survived what could have been a second life-threatening incident within a short period.

The police have assured the public that a full investigation is underway and that appropriate legal action will be taken against the reckless driver.