Families of the five young men killed in a car crash involving the convoy of APC governorship candidate, Monday Okpebholo, have cried out for justice, accusing the politician of abandoning the victims and showing no concern for their loss.
The victims, five close friends, were returning from a burial ceremony last Thursday when their Toyota Camry allegedly collided with a truck in Okpebholo’s convoy on Auchi Road.
According to the family, the APC candidate continued with his campaign rally after the crash, leaving the victims’ bodies at the hospital without visiting or offering condolences.
Mrs. Okoruwa, the grieving mother of one of the deceased, expressed her anguish, recalling how her son, a graduate who helped her sell food at Oregbeni Market, had promised her a brighter future. “He told me, ‘Mommy, don’t worry, things will get better.’ Now he’s dead,” she lamented. The young man would have turned 29 in January.
A twin brother of one of the victims shared the heartbreaking, moment he identified his brother’s body. “They sent me a picture of my brother with cotton wools in his nose, mouth, and ear. When I confirmed it was he, they simply said, ‘Sorry for your loss.’”
Another relative, Amos Okoruwa, recounted the last moments before the crash, as described by the lone survivor. “He said they were driving on a clear road when an APC truck in the convoy tried to overtake them. That was the last thing he remembered before the impact.”
The families have expressed deep frustration over the APC candidate’s failure to acknowledge the tragedy or visit the bereaved.
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“He promised security, but this is the insecurity he’s bringing. He’s still campaigning without showing any concern for the lives lost,” one of the brothers remarked.
The brother-in-law of another victim condemned the lack of empathy, saying, “You killed five graduates last Thursday, and you still haven’t come to pay your respects. And now, those offering condolences are being accused of politicizing the tragedy.”
Edo State First Lady, Her Excellency Betsy Obaseki, visited the grieving families at Federal Housing Estate, Lucky Way, Ikpoba Hill, to offer her condolences and vowed to ensure justice is served.
“We have lost five young men with bright futures. Their lives and destinies were cut short, all in the name of politics,” she said. “This will not be swept under the rug. Be assured that those responsible will be held accountable.”
Her Excellency visited each family, including Emmanuel’s, whose mother tearfully spoke of her son’s popularity in the community and how he met his tragic end while driving his friends to the burial.
Emmanuel’s elder sister added that efforts were being made to cover up the incident. “They moved the driver of one of the APC Hilux trucks involved in the accident to another hospital overnight to hide evidence. But the world is watching, and so is God.”
Tijani’s family also received a visit from the First Lady, who emphasized the importance of justice. “What has happened cannot be undone, but we must ensure these families get the justice they deserve,” she said, drawing applause from the crowd.
Her Excellency’s visit highlighted her compassion and her commitment to ensuring accountability in the wake of this tragic incident.
