Family seeks answers after child killed in pedestrian crossing

Police have yet to charge the driver allegedly involved in the death of a three-year-old Nigerian boy who was hit on a pedestrian crossing in Sigatoka last month.

The child, Elijah Jibola, was struck while crossing the road with his grandmother. His parents are questioning the delay in the Police investigation and are calling for justice.

The driver is believed to be a woman, reportedly the wife of a doctor. No charges have been laid to date.

“We have been told the case is under investigation, but it has been weeks,” Elijah’s father, Jibola Afonja, said.

“We have evidence, including two eyewitnesses and footage from two CCTV cameras from nearby businesses. That footage has not been released to us by Police. We need justice.”

The incident occurred at about 7.45am on Thursday, January 29.

“The car hit him on the pedestrian crossing and ran over his head. By the time he was taken to hospital, he had already died,” Afonja said.

Elijah’s mother, Mereseini Moli, has called for a full and transparent investigation, accountability under the law and an urgent review of safety measures at pedestrian crossings.

“My son’s death must not be treated as inevitable or unavoidable,” she said.

“A preventable loss demands action. I ask that this matter be addressed with the seriousness it deserves, in honour of my child and to protect others.”

Pedestrian deaths at crossings have raised ongoing safety concerns. In 2019, a 26-year-old man was killed while crossing near FNU Hoodless House in Suva. In 2023, a woman died after being hit by a bus at a pedestrian crossing along Victoria Parade in Suva.