Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of 15 Umuahia based traders who lost their lives on Saturday in a road accident in Enugu State while returning from a traditional marriage ceremony.
Governor Otti described the incident as painful and devastating, lamenting that the accident occurred outside Abia State, making it impossible for the state to provide immediate emergency assistance.
In a condolence message issued through his Special Adviser on Media, Ferdinand Ekeoma, the governor said he had directed the Abia State Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection to reach out promptly to the families of the deceased and the survivors to offer necessary support.
He also urged motorists to adhere strictly to road safety regulations and avoid overspeeding or driving against traffic in order to reduce road accidents.
“Governor Otti, on behalf of the government and people of Abia State, commiserates with the families and loved ones of the deceased and prays God to grant their souls eternal repose,” the statement read.
The tragic incident has continued to generate reactions across the state, with many residents describing it as shocking.
Photographs of the victims taken before their departure from Abia to Enugu have been circulating on social media platforms.
