A tragic incident occurred on September 13, 2024, in Edo State, involving the convoy of the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Monday Okpebholo, which was involved in a fatal accident that claimed the lives of five individuals.
The accident happened on Warrake Road around Uzebba axis in Owan West Local Government Area, when the APC candidate’s convoy rammed into a silver Camry sedan car carrying five friends, who were returning from a burial ceremony.
“We are devastated beyond words. Emmanuel was a good, easy-going boy who should not be dead today,” said a relative of one of the deceased, Emmanuel Edionwe. “He and his friends were driving in the Silver Camry car. After the accident, we just learnt that five of them have 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 expressed disappointment that the APC campaign council has not acknowledged the incident or commiserated with the affected families. “We feel really bad that the APC has not said anything about the accident. It is insensitive. No one who suffers such a loss should be left without closure,” he said, crying profusely.
Eyewitnesses reported that the accident occurred due to rough driving, and the victims died on the spot. The bodies of four of the deceased were deposited at the Edo State University, Uzaurie Mortuary in Etsako West Local Government Area, while one of the victims died the following morning at Irrua Specialist Hospital (ISH) in Irrua, where they were transferred for specialist care.
The incident has raised concerns about the safety of citizens during political campaigns and the need for politicians to prioritize human life and safety above political ambitions.
