A yet-to-be-identified teenager on Thursday plunged a Mercedes-Benz GLK valued at about N22 million into the Ikpoba Hill River in Benin City, Edo state, and reportedly resisted attempts by residents to rescue him.
The incident, which occurred at a car wash near the river along the Ikpoba Hill axis, left residents in shock as the driver allegedly refused to exit the submerged vehicle despite repeated pleas.
Blueprint gathered that the teenager had driven the vehicle to the facility for washing and, shortly after it was cleaned, re-entered the SUV and suddenly accelerated straight into the river.
Residents in the area were said to have quickly mobilised and made frantic efforts to save him after the vehicle went under.
However, the driver reportedly remained inside the car, creating a tense and bewildering scene.
He was eventually forcefully pulled out of the vehicle by residents, as seen in a viral video of the incident.
A witness who simply identified himself as Osazee said: “As soon as the vehicle plunged into we mobilised and entered the water to rescue the driver. We were surprised when he refused to come out.”
In the video, the teenager was heard claiming he took the action due to financial pressure from family members and friends, although the claim could not be independently verified.
As of the time of filing this report, the circumstances surrounding the incident remained unclear, while the condition of the driver could not be immediately ascertained.
The Edo State Police Command and officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) were yet to issue official statement as of press time.