Ebonyi gov, Nwifuru visits family of 11 victims who perished in tanker explosion

By Uchenna Okeh, Abakaliki 

The governor of Ebonyi State, Francis Nwifuru on Wednesday visited the family of the eleven victims, Mr. Jeremiah Nwaji

who perished in a tanker explosion that occured in Enugu state. 

Nwifuru represented by his wife, Mrs Uzoamaka Nwifuru commissioned with the family and further said that the State government was pained by the ugly incident that claimed the lives of the eleven victims along Enugu/ Onicha Express Way.

Mrs Nwifuru who lead a high-powered delegation from the state government made this known during a visit to the victim’s family at Abofia village in Ebonyi Local Government Area of the state.

She conveyed the deepest sympathies of the government and people of Ebonyi State to the bereaved family. 

Recall that the 11 victims before their death were returning from Anambra State for the burial of their late father, Augustine Nwaji.

The tanker explosion took the lives of 11 persons in a family, father, mother, 6 children, younger brothers and house maid etc. 

Speaking on behalf of the governor, Mrs Nwifuru expressed profound grief over the heartbreaking incident, describing it as an irreplaceable loss not only to the family but also to the entire Ebonyi state.

The First Lady also used the opportunity to pray for the souls of the departed, urging the family to find solace in God.

According to her: “This tragedy is deeply painful, and we share in the sorrow of the Nwaji family. Losing multiple family members in such a horrific manner is beyond comprehension. As a government, we stand with you in this time of grief, and we assure you of our unwavering support,” she stated.

Responding, the Chairman of ALGON and Ebonyi Local Government Area, Mr Chinedu UBURU, and the Chief of Staff, Government House, Emmanuel Echiegu in their separate speeches emphasized on the tragic incident that has happened to the people of Abofia Agbaja community in Ebonyi Local Government Area and the entire people of the State.

They assured the bereaved family of their commitment to assisting them in every possible way to alleviate their pain. 

In a remark, the brother to the victim, Mr. Ikechukwu  Nwaji  said his late brother and family met their untimely death on January 25, 2025 while returning for the burial of their late father on January 30th and pleaded that the Government should advise heavy duty vehicles to only move through the nights to reduce such accidents. 

Also, One of the family members, Mr Emeka Igwe  commended the State Government for the visitation, and pleaded for their prayers in their bereaved moment. 

Highlights of the visit was signing of the condolence register and presentation of gifts to the bereaved family.