Enugu, February 15, 2026 – Nkanu West Chairman John Chukwuma Ogbodo reacts to the fatal road accident on the Enugu–Port Harcourt Expressway, mourns victims, sympathizes with injured persons at UNTH, and renews calls for road safety compliance.
Nkanu West Local Government Chairman, Mr. John Chukwuma Ogbodo, has expressed profound grief over the tragic road accident on the Enugu–Port Harcourt Expressway that claimed 11 lives on Saturday evening, describing the incident as heartbreaking and avoidable.
In a statement made available to newsmen, Ogbodo extended his condolences to the families of the deceased while sympathizing with those injured in the road accident, who are currently receiving medical attention at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Ituku-Ozalla.
“I received with deep sorrow the news of the fatal road accident that claimed precious lives along the Enugu–Port Harcourt Expressway. On behalf of the government and people of Nkanu West, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the families who lost their loved ones. My prayers are also with the injured victims at UNTH for their speedy recovery,” Ogbodo said.
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Enugu State Command, had earlier confirmed that 11 persons — 10 males and one female — lost their lives in the collision involving a commercial Toyota Coaster Bus and an articulated Mercedes Benz trailer. Seven others sustained varying degrees of injuries and were rushed to UNTH for urgent treatment.
Reacting further, the chairman linked the unfortunate road accident to his consistent advocacy for strict compliance with traffic regulations, particularly among commercial drivers who ply the busy Enugu–Port Harcourt corridor.
“This painful incident once again underscores the need for all motorists, especially commercial drivers, to obey traffic rules and avoid dangerous driving. Route Traffic Violation and Loss of Control, as indicated in preliminary findings, are preventable causes,” he stated.
Ogbodo recalled his earlier engagements with transport unions and road safety officials where he emphasized discipline, speed moderation, and adherence to road signs as essential measures to curb fatalities arising from any road accident.
Beyond motorists, the council boss also renewed his appeal to contractors handling rehabilitation works on critical sections of the Enugu–Port Harcourt highway to expedite action in order to minimize hazards.
“We must ensure that ongoing road rehabilitation projects are completed within reasonable timelines. Delays often create dangerous diversions and pressure points that can contribute to accidents. The safety of commuters must remain paramount,” he stressed.
He further called on the Federal Road Safety Corps and other relevant agencies to intensify public enlightenment on road sense, defensive driving, and responsible highway conduct, particularly as vehicular movement increases across the state.
“Awareness remains a powerful preventive tool. Continuous education on road sense, speed limits, and proper overtaking culture can significantly reduce incidents of road accident across our highways,” Ogbodo added.
The chairman commended officers and marshals of the FRSC Ozalla Unit Command for their swift response to the crash scene, including rescue operations, evacuation of injured victims to UNTH, and restoration of free traffic flow along the affected axis.
He described their prompt intervention as professional and lifesaving, noting that emergency response time often determines survival outcomes in any major road accident.
While mourning the deceased, Ogbodo urged residents and road users to treat the tragedy as a sobering reminder of the consequences of recklessness behind the wheel.
“Lives have been lost. Families are grieving. Let this tragic road accident serve as a wake-up call for greater responsibility on our roads. Safety is not optional; it is a collective duty,” he concluded.
Saturday’s fatal collision occurred at about 6:46 p.m. near the FRSC Ozalla Unit Command along the Enugu–Port Harcourt Expressway. Authorities have since cleared the obstruction and restored free flow of traffic while investigations continue.
As the injured victims receive care at UNTH and families mourn their losses, the Nkanu West Chairman reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sustained road safety advocacy, enforcement support, and collaborative measures aimed at preventing another devastating road accident on the corridor.
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