During a campaign event in Edo state on Thursday, ahead of the 2024 governorship election, the All Progressives Congress (APC) convoy was involved in a tragic accident.
According to reports, one of the APC's large trucks, which was equipped with music and sound systems, collided with an oncoming vehicle, resulting in the death of five people.
Additionally, one individual is currently in critical condition and receiving treatment at the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital in the state.
The accident reportedly occurred along the Warrake – Afuze Road in Owan East local government area.
The driver of the car, Emmanuel Edionwe, and four other occupants died on the spot, while the fifth victim was rushed to the hospital.
An eyewitness stated that the APC campaign convoy was negotiating a bend when the Toyota Camry car, coming in the opposite direction, collided with it.
The deceased were returning from a funeral ceremony when the accident occurred, leaving their families in trauma and devastation.
The bodies of the deceased were taken to the Edo State University, Uzaurie Mortuary in Etsako West Local Government Area of the state.
A relative of Edionwe said, “We are devastated beyond words. Emmanuel was a good, easy-going boy who should not be dead today. He and his friends were driving in the Silver Camry car. After the accident, we learned that five of them died after the collision with Okpebholo’s convoy. Emmanuel and four of his friends are dead. There is just one of them who is in critical condition and is now being nursed to life at the hospital.”
The relative also mentioned that Edionwe was transferred to the Irrua Specialist Hospital (ISH) for specialist care after the accident.
“It was officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) who evacuated the bodies from the scene. Four of them died on Thursday, and one died this morning. There is only one surviving person in critical condition,” the relative added.
Gistreel reports that the Edo State 2024 governorship election is scheduled for 21 September 2024.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed its readiness for the governorship election. INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, urged all political parties and candidates to ensure a peaceful election process.
Yakubu stated that INEC had completed most of the necessary preparations for the governorship election.