The Ebonyi State Governor, David Umahi, has expressed deep sadness over the death of eight All Progressives Congress supporters and a conductor in an auto crash on the Ezzamgbo section of the Abakaliki-Enugu Highway.
The crash occurred when the driver of a Toyota Sienna conveying the APC supporters lost control and rammed into a tipper heading to Abakaliki.
The party supporters were said to be heading for Enugu to join the loyalists of the Labour Party candidate for the last governorship election in Ebonyi State, Edward Nkwegu, who had massed at the Court of Appeal awaiting the verdict on Nkwegu’s appeal against Umahi.
Umahi, who ran into scene of the accident, said in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Emma Anya, on Saturday that it was “unfortunate that the victims who were bread winners of their families lost their lives while going to witness a functionally useless appeal” by Nkwegu.
He said: “It is very saddening that those party supporters, who were going to show solidarity to my opponent in the last election died in that accident.
“I am deeply pained because they were merely going to express their right to free association and choice but met their untimely death in such a tragic circumstance.”
The governor prayed for the repose of their souls and urged the bereaved families to find solace in the fact that the Almighty would strengthen them.
Umahi promised that the government would reach out to the bereaved families to ascertain the level of assistance they need.
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