Ohafia, Abia State, was plunged into mourning on Sunday following a tragic accident involving a chippings-filled trailer, which overturned and trapped several people under its crushing weight.
The incident happened on Sunday at about 1:30pm near popular Nmuri Bridge Ebem Ohafia in Ohafia LGA Abia State.
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Many of the victims pleaded for help as they endured unbearable pain, but rescue efforts were insufficient to save their lives.
In an interview with ABN TV, Chief Emeka Mba (Bam Bam), President General of the Ebem Ohafia Development Union (EODU), described the day as a “black Sunday.”
“Well, today should be regarded as a black Sunday because of the killings. As I speak to you, many people are still trapped under the truck. I learned that one of the survivors is a lady with her two children sitting in front of the bus. But several others are still under the vehicle, and it’s a very helpless situation,” he said.
Chief Mba lamented the lack of emergency response equipment to move the heavy-duty truck. “We have tried everything. We could not get any equipment to lift the truck and rescue the people underneath. It’s a very ugly situation,” he explained.
When asked about the condition of the road, Chief Mba highlighted the poor state of the area and blamed the tragedy on government negligence. “That section of the road is very low, and we’ve done a lot of press and documentation to draw the government’s attention to it. This is a private road, and there should be restrictions on heavy-duty trucks using it until proper measures are put in place,” he added.
This incident has once again raised concerns about Nigeria’s failing infrastructure and lack of adequate emergency services. Many have criticized the negligence of government authorities and political office holders, which continues to result in preventable tragedies.
ARTSMA Intervenes
In a separate statement, the Abia State Road Traffic and Safety Management Agency (ARTSMA) confirmed the fatality of the accident. According to ARTSMA’s Public Relations Department, six lives were lost on the spot, while three others sustained injuries of varying degrees.
Col. Ezichi Kalu (Rtd.), General Manager of ARTSMA, led a rescue operation with resources that included a crane and towing vans. The agency managed to clear the road and reopen it to traffic later in the day.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and wish the injured a swift recovery,” the statement read. ARTSMA emphasized the need for motorists to adhere to safety regulations to prevent future tragedies.
Renewed Calls for Action
The Ebem Ohafia community, transporters, and commuters are demanding immediate action from the Federal Government, Federal Lawmakers, and Abia State authorities. There are growing calls for accountability over the billions allocated for the F107 road project, alleging corruption and negligence. The Federal Executive Council had approved an additional N12 billion for the project, yet progress remains stagnant.
The Nmuri Bridge, constructed by FERMA, is now under severe erosion threat, and its collapse could isolate entire communities.
Ifeanyi Okali, Spokesperson of the Ebem Ohafia community reiterated the community’s frustrations. “The lives lost in this tragedy were preventable. We demand immediate rehabilitation of the F107 Federal Road, accountability for mismanaged funds, and the implementation of proper safety measures to protect commuters. This is not a time for excuses. It’s a time for action,” he stated.
As families mourn the tragic loss of loved ones, the people of Ohafia and surrounding communities urge the government to prioritize the reconstruction of the F107 road and the Nmuri Bridge. This incident highlights the urgent need for infrastructure development, road safety measures, and effective emergency response systems to prevent future loss of life.
May the souls of the departed rest in peace. #BlackDayInOhafia
