Two supporters of the All Progressives Congress, APC have been reported dead with three others missing in a tragic boat mishap in Okenrenkoko, Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State.
Seven others sustained grievous injuries and are said to be hospitalized after they were rescued at the scene, DAILY POST can report.
The incident occurred on Tuesday, December 20, 2022.
The deceased in the company of other party faithful were returning from the gubernatorial campaign of the Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege when a commercial speedboat rammed into them leading to the death of the two persons.
Senator Omo-Agege has expressed shock at the unfortunate incident in a statement signed by his Director, Communications and Media Strategy, Delta APC Campaign Council, Ima Niboro.
Niboro confirmed the incident saying, “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.”
“Our prayers and thoughts are with the victims and their families. This is one tragedy too many, and our party is officially in mourning.”
Niboro said the party is working with the relevant authorities and communities in search for the three missing persons.
According to Niboro, “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.”
OKERENKOKO BOAT MISHAP:
NOTICE OF SUSPENSION OF APC CAMPAIGN ACTIVITIES IN DELTA STATE.
Following the ghastly accident yesterday 20th of December 2022 at Okerenkoko, Warri South West Local Government Area involving one of the boats in our campaign fleet and the consequent death of five persons, our State Party Chairman Elder Omeni Sobotie has directed that all APC campaign activities in the state be suspended forthwith.
The Party Chairman also directs that all candidates for the forthcoming 2023 elections, Senate, House of Representatives and State Assembly, should comply with this directive and shut down their campaigns until further directives are received from his office.
While the party mourns this tragic loss of lives of our dear members, flags at party offices and formations statewide are directed to be flown at half mast in respect to our fallen compatriots. All party formations across the state are also to join in prayers for the families of our bereaved heroes.
Elder Sobotie, while mourning the deceased, uses this opportunity to wish every member of our great party well in this season and urge us to offer prayers for the repose of the souls of our friends who died.
Funeral arrangements will be as announced by the families. The chairman invites everyone to participate actively in the funeral rites.
Signed
E.V. Onojeghuo Esq
State Publicity Secretary
APC Delta State.