Tragedy struck on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, when a fatal accident claimed the life of a female prospective corps member heading to the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) orientation camp in Afikpo North Local Government Area of Ebonyi State. The deceased, whose name has not been disclosed, was among 12 prospective corps members traveling in a 14-seater bus that crashed on the Amasiri-Okiigwe route, specifically at Amenu village in Okposi.
According to Igwe Henry, the Ebonyi State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps, the accident involved two vehicles: a Toyota commercial bus and a Mercedes-Benz tipper truck. While Henry confirmed the accident, he noted that his team arrived at the scene after the victims had been rescued, and therefore, he had no details on the casualties.
The injured passengers, including the prospective corps members, were rushed to the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences (DUFUHS) for treatment. A hospital source confirmed that the victims were responding to treatment, although their identities and the extent of their injuries have not been disclosed.
The Ebonyi State Coordinator of NYSC, Foluke Oladeinde, was visibly shaken by the incident, stating that she was not in the right frame of mind to discuss the matter further. Oladeinde confirmed the accident and mentioned that she was at the hospital, but declined to provide additional details.
This tragic incident highlights the importance of road safety and the need for caution while traveling. The NYSC orientation camp, which is a mandatory program for Nigerian graduates, is intended to promote national unity and development. Unfortunately, this accident has marred the beginning of the program for the 2024 Batch C Stream II set of corps members.
As the investigation into the accident continues, it is essential to remember the importance of safety on our roads. The Federal Road Safety Corps and other relevant authorities must work together to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.
In the meantime, our thoughts are with the family and friends of the deceased corps member, as well as the injured victims. We wish them a speedy recovery and hope that this incident will catalyze improved road safety measures in Nigeria.
Disclaimer: The opinions, views, and information expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy, position, or opinions of iNaijanow. The company assumes no liability for any errors, omissions, or damages arising from the use of this information.
