Tears in Benue as eight PDP accident victims buried

Tears flowed heavily in Oju at the funeral rites of eight members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) that died in a ghastly motor accident last Friday on their way to the Zone C senatorial campaign flag-off in Agatu, Benue state.

PDP chieftains, candidates and officials as well as bereaved family members battled to hold back tears as they took turns to give orations at the combined church service.

Governor Samuel Ortom, in a funeral oration, described their deaths as tragic and painful, saying the patriots died when their services were most needed in the build up to the 2019 general elections.

The governor prayed to God to grant their souls eternal rest and their family members the fortitude to bear the irreparable losses.

He directed the immediate appointment of one member of the families to provide succour for them.

Ortom also told mourners the excavated portion of the Aliade-Oju road would be fixed within three weeks.

He charged the Igede nation to remain peaceful as they go into the final phase of the 2019 elections.

Former Senate President David Mark and senatorial candidate for Zone C, Comrade Abba Moro, in separate orations, said they were heartbroken and felt a sense of personal losses.

They consoled the bereaved families and prayed God to grant their fallen heroes and heroine eternal rest, describing their death as tragic and traumatising.

Member representing Oju/Obi federal constituency in the National Assembly, Rt. Hon. Samson Okwu, who could not hold tears, said he lost key members of his campaign team in the accident.

He pointed out that the day would remain a black day in the history of Igede nation.

Bishop Methodist Church in Oju Local Government Area, Rt. Reverend Odeh Ocheke, urged the congregation to prepare for the last day as nobody knows when and where it would come.

Ortom had paid homage on the Adirahu Ny Igede, Chief Oga Ero, a retired Commissioner of Police, on arrival where he condoled the entire Igede nation on the tragic loss of their illustrious sons and daughters.