The Ebonyi State Governor, Rt Hon Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru has commiserated with the families of the eleven victims who lost their lives in a tragic tanker explosion.
Accompanying a government delegation, the wife of the Governor, Chief Mrs. Uzoamaka Ogbonna Nwifuru, conveyed the state government’s deep sorrow over the incident that claimed the lives of eleven persons at Abofia village in Ebonyi Local Government Area. She extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family of Mr. Jeremiah Nwaji.
The death of 11 victims returning from Anambra State for the burial of their late father, Chief Augustine Nwaji, happened as a gas explosion occurred at Ugwu Onyeama along the Anambra-Enugu Expressway, claiming the lives of 11 persons in a family—father, mother, six children, younger brothers, and a housemaid.
In a solemn visit, a high-powered delegation from the state government conveyed the deepest sympathies of the government and people of Ebonyi State to the bereaved family. Speaking on behalf of the Governor, Mrs Nwifuru expressed profound grief over the heartbreaking incident, describing it as an irreplaceable loss not only to the family but also to the entire Ebonyi state. The First Lady also used the opportunity to pray for the souls of the departed, urging the family to find solace in God.
“This tragedy is deeply painful, and we share in the sorrow of the Nwaji family. Losing multiple family members in such a horrific manner is beyond comprehension. As a government, we stand with you in this time of grief, and we assure you of our unwavering support,” she stated.
The Chairman of ALGON and Ebonyi Local Government Area Mr Chinedu UBURU, and the Chief of Staff, Government House, Prof. Emmanuel Echiegu in their separate speeches emphasized on the tragic incident that has happened to the people of Abofia Agbaja community in Ebonyi Local Government Area and the entire people of the State. They assured the bereaved family of their commitment to assisting them in every possible way to alleviate their pain.
The brother to the victim, Mr. Ikechukwu Nwaji said his late brother and family met their untimely death on January 25, 2025 while returning for the burial of their late father on January 30th and pleaded that the Government should advise heavy duty vehicles to only move through the nights to reduce such accidents. Also One of the family members, Mr Emeka Igwe commended the State Government for the visitation, and pleaded for their prayers in their bereaved moment.