AGBANI – Nkanu West | Friday, August 5
The Executive Chairman of Nkanu West Local Government Council, Hon. John Chukwuma Ogbodo, has paid a visit to the scene of the tragic road accident that occurred on Wednesday at Ozalla Junction along the busy Enugu–Port Harcourt expressway. The fatal crash, which involved a long-haulage truck and two commuter buses, left several persons dead and many others critically injured.
According to a statement issued by Nkanu West LG Media, eyewitnesses at the scene attributed the incident to reckless driving, including motorists driving against traffic, which triggered the collision before the vehicles went up in flames.
“Hon. Ogbodo, who was on hand with his team during the emergency, assisted in the evacuation of victims and pledged the Council’s support towards the medical treatment of those injured. He extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the quick recovery of survivors,” the statement read.
Visit to UNTH Ituku–Ozalla
The Chairman followed up the visit by calling at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Ituku-Ozalla, where the injured victims were rushed for medical care. He was received by a hospital team led by Mr. Boniface Uchelue, who commended the Chairman’s gesture.
“On behalf of the hospital management, I wish to welcome you here. We are glad for your timely visit to see the accident victims and for your kind financial support,” Mr. Uchelue said.
Briefing the Chairman, Mrs. Anthonia Anene, a Deputy Director of the hospital, disclosed that seven casualties with varying degrees of injury were admitted. According to her, six were recuperating, while one patient was undergoing surgery in the theater. She further confirmed that four corpses had been deposited in the hospital’s mortuary.
Call for Preventive Action
Beyond the immediate relief measures, Hon. Ogbodo used the occasion to raise concerns about the deplorable state of the Enugu–Port Harcourt expressway, which has recorded multiple accidents in recent years. He called on the relevant federal authorities handling its rehabilitation to expedite action, stressing that the road’s poor condition contributes to frequent mishaps.
Hon Ogbodo (in blue faze cap) encouraging an accident victim.
He also appealed to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to intensify road safety enforcement and scale up public awareness campaigns aimed at educating motorists on safe driving practices. “Reckless driving, coupled with poor road conditions, is a dangerous combination we must urgently address to prevent further loss of lives,” he said.
Commitment to Ndi Nkanu West
The Chairman assured that his administration remains committed to safeguarding the lives of Ndi Nkanu West. He pledged continuous partnership with state and federal agencies to ensure safer roads, healthier communities, and a more secure environment for residents.
“This tragedy is a reminder of the shared responsibility we all bear – government, road users, and community leaders – to make our highways safer,” he stated.
The accident at Ozalla Junction once again highlights the urgent need for infrastructural renewal and stricter road discipline across Nigeria’s highways. As families mourn their loved ones and survivors recover, the call for preventive measures has grown louder.
For the people of Nkanu West, the swift intervention of their Chairman and the ongoing support to victims stand as a strong demonstration of leadership rooted in empathy and responsibility. GMTNewsng
