Adedamola Joshua, an uncle of the Nigerian-British boxing champion Anthony Joshua, has shared harrowing details regarding the fatal car accident that claimed the lives of two of the boxer’s close friends.
The family representative revealed that the boxing star was not only physically and emotionally traumatized by the collision but was also a victim of theft at the scene. According to the uncle, while Joshua was in a state of shock following the impact, some bystanders chose to record videos of the carnage and steal personal items, including the boxer’s mobile phone, rather than providing immediate assistance to the victims.
The accident occurred just six hours after Joshua arrived in Nigeria for his customary New Year visit. He was reportedly en route to Sagamu to spend time with his relatives when the vehicle was involved in the crash on the highway. Adedamola Joshua expressed deep frustration over the conduct of the public and the perceived failure of the national emergency response system. He noted that it was distressing to see a world icon like Joshua forced to walk across the road median on foot after such a violent incident, suggesting that in more developed regions, a helicopter or specialized ambulance would have been at the scene within minutes for immediate evacuation.
Okay News reports that despite the criticism of the initial emergency response, the family has acknowledged the significant support provided by the government in the aftermath. President Bola Tinubu, alongside Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos and Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, have reportedly been in direct contact with the boxer and his parents to ensure he receives the highest standard of medical care. The uncle confirmed that while the athlete has since been discharged from the hospital, the family’s festive celebrations have been completely overshadowed by grief as they mourn the two friends who were meant to spend the holidays with them but are now being returned in body bags.
The Joshua family has called for improved public enlightenment regarding emergency protocols and the stationing of more ambulances along accident-prone highways to prevent such delayed responses in the future. While there is relief that the former world champion survived the crash, the family remains deeply traumatized by the loss of life and the chaotic scene where theft took precedence over humanity.
Despite the tragedy, the family expressed hope that Joshua will find the emotional and physical strength to recover from one of the most painful experiences their household has faced in decades.
