By Omoghene Benedict/ Michael Veloh
NO fewer than five supporters of the governorship candidates of All Progressives Congress, APC, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege and his opponent, Rt Hon Sheriff Orhowedor Oborevwori of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in Delta state lost their lives during rallies across the state last week.
It was learned that over three persons died at the Warri river when the governorship candidate All Progressives Congress, APC, senator Ovie Omo-Agege took his campaign to Okerenkoko in Warri South Local Government Area.
Though the number of death could not be ascertain as at the time of this report, it was learned that a Trumpeter, One Favour Oriunu and Karo, a drummer, Paul Ejoh, 25, was among those that died in the boat mishap in the river.
According to a source in APC camp, “While we were returning from the campaign, some of the speedboat riders were displaying their skills and in that process, they collided.
The source who spoke in anonymous condition revealed, that three persons died instantly, seven were hospitalized at Warri central hospital while some were still missing.
Reacting to the death of his supporters, the Director Communications and Media Strategy, Delta APC Campaign Council, Ima Niboro said, “Deputy Senate President, and Delta All Progressives Congress, APC, gubernatorial candidate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, and the Delta APC Campaign Council, have received with shock and grief, news of the boat accident involving loyal party members and supporters, as they returned from our rally in Okerenkoko, Warri South West Local Government Area, yesterday, 20th December, 2022.
“Information at our disposal indicates that a commercial boat traveling in the opposite direction rammed into the boat carrying our supporters, and that two persons lost their lives, three are missing, and seven others are in hospital receiving treatment from injuries sustained in the accident.
“We are shocked by this tragedy, and our hearts are heavy. Our prayers and thoughts are with the victims and their families. This is one tragedy too many, and our party is officially in mourning.
“We are currently working with the relevant authorities and communities to search for the missing. We are also in the process of reaching out to the families and loved ones of those that lost their lives, while ensuring that the injured receive the best care possible.
“In honour of the dead, missing and injured, we have decided to indefinitely suspend all further campaigns. The Campaign Council will advise on next steps in the coming days and weeks.
“We express our deepest condolences to the families of the victims, and pray that the Almighty comforts and gives them fortitude in these trying times.”
Also, A Chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party and astute supporter of the Delta state governorship candidate, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori and Governor Ifeanyi Okowa vice presidential pursuit, from Ughelli South Local Government Area, Chief Joe Unuame and his driver died while heading to a campaign rally in Patani Local Government Area of the state.
It was gathered that Chief Joe Unuame and his driver were involved in an accident at bridge 9, Uwheru in Ughelli North LGA while going to Patani for the PDP ward to ward campaign rally on Wednesday.
A source revealed that the deceased’s black 4runner SUV with reg no: Abuja – GWA-89-BF had a head-on collision with a tanker along Ughelli/Patani road.
According to sources from the area, the driver died on the spot, while the PDP chieftain was rushed to a nearby hospital but died later after fruitless efforts by medical doctors to revive him.
Chief Joe Unuame, a native of Akpere-Olomu community, Olomu Kingdom in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State was a staunch member of the PDP and a strong supporter of Governor Okowa’s vice presidential ticket and Rt. Hon. Sheriff Francis Orohwedor Oborevwori, governorship candidate of the PDP in the state.
