During a campaign event in Edo state on Thursday ahead of the 2024 governorship election in the state, the All Progressives Congress (APC) convoy faced a tragic accident.
It was reliably gathered that one of its large trucks equipped with music and sound systems collided with an oncoming vehicle, resulting in the loss of five lives.
Additionally, one individual is currently in a critical condition and receiving treatment at the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital in the state.
The incident reportedly happened along the Warrake – Afuze Road in Owan East local government area.
The driver of the car, Emmanuel Edionwe, and four other occupants were said to have died on the spot, while the fifth victim was rushed to the hospital.
An eye witness said the campaign convoy was negotiating a bend while the car and its occupants, said to be a Toyota Camry car, was coming in the opposite direction.
The deceased were said to be returning from a funeral ceremony when they met their death leaving their families traumatised and devastated.
The bodies of the deceased were said to have been deposited at 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 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 relation explained.
The family source explained that Edionwe died at the Irrua Specialist Hospital (ISH) in Irrua, where he was later transferred to for specialist care.
“It was officials of the Federal Road Safety Corp (FRSC) that evacuated the bodies from the scene of the accident. Four of them died yesterday (Thursday). One died this morning. There is only one surviving person in critical condition”, he added.
Gistreel reports that the Edo State 2024 governorship election is scheduled for 21 September 2024.
The Independent National Electoral Commission has also 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.