Five members of the Delta State All Progressive Party Congress are feared dead in a boat accident along the Gbaramatu-Warri River Tuesday night.
Several others are currently being treated in hospital for injuries sustained in the marine incident.
PUNCH Metro understands that the shipwreck involved party members and supporters who were returning from the party governor’s rally earlier in the day in the towns of Okerenkoko and Ugborodo in the Warri Southwest Local Government Area.
It is understood a merchant vessel traveling in the opposite direction collided with a boat carrying APC loyalists, causing it to capsize.
As a result, two people were reportedly killed at the scene, three drowned and seven others were treated in hospital for injuries sustained in the accident.
Senator Ove Omo-Ajag, Vice President of the Senate and candidate for Governor of the Delta APC, expressed his shock and grief at the tragedy while offering prayers for the souls of the victims.
A copy of a statement by Ima Niboro, director of the Delta APC governor’s campaign committee, provided to reporters in Warri on Wednesday, read in part: “We are devastated by this tragedy and our hearts are heavy. Our prayers and thoughts are with the victims. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families. This is one too many tragedies and our party officially mourns it.
“We are currently working with the relevant authorities and the community to find the missing. We are also engaging with the families and loved ones of those who have lost their lives, while ensuring those injured receive the best possible care.
“In memory of the dead, missing and injured, we have decided to suspend all further activity indefinitely. The campaign committee will be making recommendations on next steps in the coming days and weeks.
“We once again express our deepest condolences to the families of the victims and pray that Almighty will give them comfort and strength during these trying times.”
Delta Command Police Public Relations Officer DSP Bright Edafe could not be reached for comment on the incident as of the time of filing this report.
