Tragedy struck at PDP rally in Delta; one dead, two others injured

…Okowa mourns the deceased, condoles Ndokwa Nation

 

By Unue Emeka & Atevure Princess,

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Tragedy struck at the People Democratic Party (PDP), Campaign Flag off rally at Kwale, Ndokwa West Local Government Council, Delta State on Thursday, as Cannon gunshot killed Mr. Jerry Ojugbeli, a driver to the Deputy Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly.

The Cannon gunshot which was meant to herald the coming of Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa and guests accidentally hit the Deputy Speaker’s drivers where he had park, injuring two other party faithfuls.

An eyewitness who simply gave his name as Chukudi, who spoke to Advocate, said that the incident happened after the Governor has entered the Kwale stadium, the venue for the rally.

He stated that when the cannon was fired, it flew straight against expectation hitting deceased at a close range and because people where already at the stadium, help didn’t come on time, nothing that he died before help could come at the hospital he was later rushed to.

According to him, “this is very strange; because the cannon when fired normally enters the ground, but sadly this particular one flew like a rocket through the car glass and hitting Mr. Ojugbeli and the shattered glass also injured two others close to the car.

“Because people were already seated and the rally started, he was not attended to promptly, considering the degree of injuries he sustained, maybe he would have survived, but help came a bit too late.”

Nevertheless, the rally went on as schedule, but when the news of his death filtered into the venue, the enthusiasms of party leaders and members were damped, and the rally was brought to close.

The State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa while expressing sadness over the untimely death of Mr. Ojugbeli, noted that his death is not only painful but regrettable.

Okowa in a condolence statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Charles Aniagwu condoled with the family, Deputy Speaker, the people of Umusadege, Kwale and the entire Ndokwa nation over the untimely demise of Jerry Ojugbeli.

Governor Okowa, while commiserating with the family of the late Ojugbeli, urged them to take solace in God, adding, “His untimely demise is not only painful but regrettable, adding “the late Ojugbeli was a diligent man who approached his work with the seriousness it deserves.

“On behalf of the government and people of Delta State I mourn the untimely demise of Mr. Jerry Ojugbeli whose accidental death was caused by a loose cannon shot at the Ndokwa West PDP Local Government Council Election Campaign Rally.

The Governor who bemoaned the loss of the party faithful prayed God to grant his soul eternal rest and grant speedy recovery to all those who sustained injuries during the incident.

“He was a dedicated worker and party faithful whose untimely death is regrettable and there is no doubt that he will be surely missed,” Governor Okowa said.