Guber Race: APC Candidate’s Convoy claims 5 souls in fatal accident

From Moshood Karim

The convoy of the All Progressives Congress (APC) guber candidate in the 2024 governorship poll, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has been involved in a fatal accident that claimed the lives of Emmanuel Edionwe and four others.

The incident occurred on Thursday on Warrake Road, near the Uzebba axis in Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State.

The victims, including Edionwe, Uptown Press learned were returning from a burial ceremony when the accident occurred, leaving their families shattered by the devastating loss.

The accident, which witnesses attribute to reckless driving, happened as Okpebholo’s convoy reportedly rammed into the victims’ silver Camry sedan while they were negotiating a sharp bend on the road.

A relative of one of the victims, Emmanuel Edionwe, expressed deep sorrow over the loss, describing him as a “good, easy-going boy” whose death has left the family devastated.

“He and his friends were in the car when they were hit by the convoy. Five of them are now dead, and one is in critical condition at the hospital,” the relative said.

Four of the deceased were pronounced dead on the spot, while Edionwe succumbed to his injuries later at the Irrua Specialist Hospital, where he was transferred for specialised care. The sole survivor is still in critical condition.

Eyewitnesses confirmed to Uptown Press that the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) was responsible for evacuating the victims from the accident scene, with the bodies being taken to the Edo State University, Uzairue Mortuary, in Etsako West Local Government Area.

According to the grieving relative, Monday Okpebholo made a discreet visit to check on the victims at the hospital but has not issued a public statement or offered condolences to the bereaved 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,” the relative said, visibly emotional.