From Ben Dunno, Warri

Two All Progressives Congress (APC) supporters in Delta State who attended a party rally held at Okerenkoko community in Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State have reportedly died in a boat accident along the creek on their way back home.

While some passengers in the affected boats who sustained severe injuries were immediately rushed to the Warri Central hospital for treatment, others whose bodies cannot be seen as at the time of filing this report have been declared missing.

This sad development compelled the APC Campaign Committee to announce the immediate suspension of its ongoing ward-to-ward campaign indefinitely in honour of the dead victims.

Making this announcement in a statement titled, ‘Omo-Agege, Delta APC Grieve Victims Of Okerenkoko Boat Accident, Suspend Campaign Indefinitely’, signed by the Director, Communications and Media Strategy, Delta APC Campaign Council, Mr Ima Niboro, the party said it would communicate further directive on its next line of action at the appropriate time.

The statement read in part: “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.

Related News

“Information at our disposal indicates that a commercial boat travelling 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 the next steps in the coming days and weeks.

“Once again, 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,” the statement concluded.