Nkechinyere Ewa-Okpara
Francis Nwifuru, Governor of Ebonyi State, has expressed his sympathy with the family of the eleven victims who lost their lives in the Ugwuonyama tanker explosion.
Governor Nwifuru, represented by his wife, Mrs. Uzoamaka Nwifuru, stated that the state government is deeply saddened by the tragic incident that occurred in Abofia village, Ebonyi Local Government Area. She extended heartfelt condolences to the family of Mr. Jeremiah Nwaji.
The victims, who were returning from Anambra State for the burial of their late father, Chief Augustine Nwaji, were involved in a gas explosion at Ugwu Onyeama along the Anambra-Enugu Expressway. The explosion claimed the lives of eleven family members, including a father, mother, six children, younger brothers, and a housemaid.
In a solemn visit, a high-level delegation from the state government conveyed the deepest sympathies of both the government and the people of Ebonyi State to the bereaved family. 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 state. The First Lady took the opportunity to pray for the souls of the departed and encouraged the family to find solace in God.
“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 during this time of grief, and we assure you of our unwavering support,” she stated.
The Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) and Ebonyi Local Government Area, Mr. Chinedu Uburu, along with the Chief of Staff, Government House, Prof. Emmanuel Echiegu, emphasized the tragic nature of the incident, which has affected the people of the Abofia Agbaja community and the entire state. They assured the bereaved family of their commitment to assist in any way possible to alleviate their pain.
Mr. Ikechukwu Nwaji, the brother of one of the victims, shared that his brother and family met their untimely deaths on January 25, 2025, while returning for their father’s burial on January 30. He pleaded with the government to advise heavy-duty vehicles to operate primarily during the night to help reduce such accidents. Another family member, Mr. Emeka Igwe, commended the state government for their visit and requested prayers during this difficult time.
Highlights of the visit included the signing of a condolence register and the presentation of gifts to the bereaved family.
