3 Journalists, Driver Die In Oshiomhole’s Convoy

Hello Friends!

Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole’s re-election campaign began on a tragic note on Saturday following the death of three journalists and a drivers in a ghastly motor accident involving the convoy of the governor.

This is coming barely two weeks after the gruesome murder of a cameraman with Benin-based Independent Television, ITV.

Unfortunately, two of the three journalists killed in the accident are also staff of ITV, and the other of AIT.

The accident, which occurred along Auchi/Warrake Road, Etsako West local Government, involved the a tipper lorry with the SUV conveying security operatives, the press crew bus and a Hilux van conveying other members of the governor’s entourage.

Reports have it that the tipper lorry allegedly ran into the SUV directly behind the governor’s vehicle, and the Press Crew bus, Hilux van behind the SUV also collided with one another.

The two ITV reporters, George Okosun and Olatunji Jackob reportedly died on the spot while the AIT cameraman, Fidelis Ohani and the bus driver simply identified as Samson later died at Irrua Specialist Hospital, Irrua.

The security men and others who were said to be in critical condition due to the various degrees of serious injuries sustained were also rushed to the hospital.

Governor Oshiomhole who was to flag off his re-election campaign in Benin City was earlier at Owan where he received Rev. Peter Obadan, former Deputy Governor of the state under Governor John Oyegun who decamped to the ruling ACN with thousands of his supporters at Owan East.

The campaign flag off which was to take place in Benin Saturday afternoon has been postponed indefinitely.

Among the journalists still on danger list as at the time of filing this report is David Acha, a cameraman with Edo State-owned Nigerian Observer who was to retire from government service early next year.

Others include Bright Osifo and Paul Ezenwa of DBN, George Enofe of Government House crew, Rosemary Obayuwana of FRCN, three officials of State Ministry of Information whose names were given as Asika, Emaku and Odeh, and Mrs. Obamogie of National Orientation Agency.

NTA reporter, Joy Ugbesia narrowly escaped the accident as she failed to join the crew following her late arrival at the Government House in Benin.

When contacted, Special Adviser to Governor Oshiomhole, Mr. Tony Iyare said he was on his way to the scene of the accident to get first hand details of what happened.

However, as at the time of filling this report, arrangements were underway to move the critically injured to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH).

Meanwhile, the State chapter of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condoled with Governor Oshiomhole on the tragic accident that claimed some lives.

A condolence message signed by the State Publicity Secretary of PDP, Matthew Urogide said, “The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Edo State most heartily commiserates with Governor Adams Oshiomhole and the People of Edo State, the Edo State Chapter of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), the Independent Television (ITV) and the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) on the death of four persons, including two ITV staff, Olatunji Jacob and George Okosun in a ghastly motor accident involving the convoy of Edo State Governor Comrade Adams Oshiomhole which incident occurred this morning Saturday April 28, 2012 while the governor’s convoy was returning from Edo North.

“The PDP views the death of the four persons as a colossal loss to the journalism profession in particular and the state in general.

“The party wishes speedy recovery for those who sustained injuries in the accident and prays that the Almighty God grants the departed souls eternal rest and their families the fortitude to bear the painful loss.”

Culled from PM News.

xoxo
Simply Cheska...