A tragic accident involving the campaign convoy of Monday Okpebholo, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Edo State, has claimed the lives of five individuals. The fatal collision took place on Thursday along Warrake Road in Uzebba, Owan West Local Government Area, leaving the community in mourning.
According to reports, one of the vehicles in Okpebholo’s convoy collided with a Toyota Camry that was transporting five passengers, including the driver. Sadly, all the occupants of the Camry perished in the crash. The victims, who were returning home after attending a burial ceremony, have been identified as local residents, including a young man named Emmanuel Edionwe.
Emmanuel’s family, devastated by the news, shared their grief with the media. A relative, speaking in sorrow, said, “Emmanuel was a good, easy-going boy who should not have died this way. We are devastated beyond words. His passing is a tragedy that has left a void in our hearts.”
The bodies of the deceased have been moved to the mortuary at Edo State University in Uzaurie, located in Etsako West Local Government Area. Meanwhile, the lone survivor of the accident, who is in critical condition, has been rushed to the Irrua Specialist Hospital, where medical personnel are working tirelessly to save the individual’s life.
Authorities, including the Edo State sector commander of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Cyril Mathew, have confirmed the incident and are investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash. Mathew, who has been closely monitoring the situation, expressed condolences to the families of the victims and assured that the FRSC would thoroughly investigate the cause of the accident.
The crash has left the community in shock, and residents have called for improved road safety measures, particularly during the election campaign season, when convoys frequently traverse the state’s roads. The accident has also reignited discussions about the safety of political convoys, which often travel at high speeds during campaign movements, posing a risk to both passengers and other road users.
Monday Okpebholo, the APC governorship candidate, has yet to make an official statement regarding the tragic event. However, close associates indicate that he has expressed his deep sadness over the incident and is working with authorities to provide support to the victims’ families. Okpebholo, who was en route to a campaign event, reportedly postponed his engagements following the crash out of respect for the deceased and their grieving families.
In the aftermath of the incident, political leaders and community members alike have called for a moment of reflection and urged politicians to prioritize safety during their campaigns. “This is a terrible loss for the community, and it serves as a reminder that human lives must come first, even in the heat of political campaigns,” said one local leader.
