By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

An auto mechanic identified as Ala Owerri on Saturday died after jumping into a trailer suspected to be carrying Covid-19 palliatives.

The palliatives were being transferred out of NEMA warehouse along Enugu – Onitsha expressway following attempt by some youths to break into the facility to loot the food items kept there.

According to an eyes witness, the victim jumped into a moving trailer, thinking that it was carrying food items and on getting to Aroma Junction jumped out of the moving trailer, which crushed him to death.

It was gathered that the deceased was among those that stormed the NEMA warehouse n Awka, Anambra State capital, as early as 6:00 a.m. to loot food items donated by individuals to cushion the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and communities ravaged by flood.

Their mission was however stalled by a team of army and police officers who arrived the facility right on time to disperse the youths.

The eye witness, Okey Uche, said: “He (the deceased) sighted the trailer on the road and jumped onboard only to find charcoal.

"He jumped back out and was crushed by the trailer’s tyres. His stomach was torn open and his legs broke under the weight of the vehicle.

"The driver of the trailer never knew that somebody jumped into his vehicle and was not aware when the man jumped back out. Ala Owerri killed himself and nobody should blame the driver for the death.”

The trailer was subsequently set on fire by an angry mob.