A boat accident that happened on Tuesday night along the Gbaramatu-Warri river is assumed to have killed five members of the All Progressives Congress in Delta State.
Others are currently receiving medical attention for injuries they sustained in the maritime accident.
According to Metro, party members and supporters were on board the boat when it capsized as they were returning from the party’s governorship rally, which had taken place earlier in the day in the towns of Okerenkoko and Ugborodo in the Warri South West Local Government Area.
According to reports, the capsize occurred when a commercial boat traveling in the opposite direction rammed into the boat carrying the APC supporters.
Consequently, two persons reportedly lost their lives instantly, three drowned and seven others in hospital receiving treatment from injuries sustained in the accident.
The Deputy President of the Senate and Delta APC governorship candidate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, while expressing shock and grief over the tragedy, offered prayers for the repose of the souls of the victims.
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A statement issued by Ima Niboro, Director of the Delta APC Governorship Campaign Council, copies of which were made available to journalists in Warri on Wednesday read partly, “We are shocked by this tragedy, and our hearts are heavy. Our prayers and thoughts are with the victims and their families. This is one tragedy too many, and our party is officially in mourning.
“We are currently working with the relevant authorities and communities to search for the missing. 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.”
The police public relations officer for Delta State Command, DSP Bright Edafe, could not be reached for comments on the incident as of the time of filing this report.