Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has committed to providing assistance to those affected by a road traffic incident on the Enugu-Port Harcourt Highway within Enugu State. Mr. Otti expressed his deep sorrow upon learning that the accident led to the loss of 15 lives.
In a statement released on Monday through his Media Aide, Ferdinand Ekeoma, the governor conveyed his sadness over the unfortunate event. The statement highlighted that the accident tragically claimed the lives of several traders from Umuahia, who were traveling to Enugu for a traditional wedding ceremony.
Sources indicate that the collision took place on Saturday night near the entrance of the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, situated along the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway. An eyewitness, Marvellous Ochiegbu, informed PREMIUM TIMES that the incident occurred when a coaster bus heading towards Umuahia collided with an oncoming trailer truck carrying beer crates. Mr. Ochiegbu stated that the coaster bus driver was travelling against the flow of traffic, which directly led to the severe crash.
"The coaster bus ran into the trailer carrying the drinks," the witness recounted. While unable to provide an exact figure, the witness suggested that the number of fatalities might exceed 15, given the number of people reportedly aboard the coaster bus at the time of the crash. "The coaster bus had 28 passengers on board," he added.
Efforts to reach the Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps in Enugu State, Frank Agbakoba, for comment were unsuccessful, as he did not respond to phone calls made on Monday and Tuesday.
Governor Otti lamented that the accident occurred in an area where state government emergency services could not immediately intervene to assist the victims. Nevertheless, he has directed the state commissioner for poverty alleviation and social protection to promptly connect with the families of both those who perished and those who survived to offer support. He urged drivers to strictly adhere to road safety regulations, refrain from speeding, and avoid driving against traffic to mitigate the occurrence of such devastating road accidents.
The governor extended his deepest condolences to the bereaved families and offered prayers for the repose of the souls of the departed.
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