From Joseph Obukata, Warri
Tragedy has struck Senate Ovie Omo-Agege campaign in Delta State as one of the campaign boats which took supporters to the Gbaramatu-Warri river in Warri South West local government area, capsized, leaving about three persons missing, two reported dead and others injured.
The incident happened Tuesday night when the boats were returning from a campaign rally at the Ijaw and Itsekiri riverine communities.
The Director, Communications and Media Strategy of the campaign council, Ima Niboro who confirmed the development in a statement on Wednesday, said that the Deputy Senate President, and Delta All Progressives Congress, APC, gubernatorial candidate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, has ordered the immediate suspension of the ward to ward campaign over the tragic incident.
He said the APC governorship candidate and the Delta APC Campaign Council, received with shock and grief, news of the boat accident involving loyal party members and supporters, as they returned from a rally in Okerenkoko, Warri South West Local Government Area, yesterday, 20th December 2022.
According to him, information indicates that a commercial boat travelling in the opposite direction rammed into the boat carrying the party’s 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 added.
