Prominent legal practitioner, Etigwe Uwa SAN, has expressed profound sadness over the tragic accident that occurred on December 22, 2024, near Mmuri Bridge in Ebem Ohafia, Abia State. The unfortunate incident claimed six lives and left three others injured.
In a statement made available to The Whisperer on Monday, Uwa extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and sympathised with the injured.
“I am deeply saddened by the avoidable accident, which has caused such immense grief to the families affected,” he said.
“If it is determined that the truck was at fault, we would ensure that its owner is held accountable for the lives lost and the injuries sustained. Additionally, the deplorable condition of the road where the accident occurred requires urgent attention. I call on the authorities to take immediate steps to fix the road to prevent further needless loss of lives and property,” Uwa stated.
Having visited the scene of the accident, Uwa described the severe trauma the victims would have endured before their untimely deaths. In response to a request from one of the affected families, he pledged to provide pro bono legal representation to ensure justice is served.
“We will do everything within our power to hold those responsible for this avoidable loss accountable for their actions,” he assured.
Read full statement below:
I am deeply saddened by the avoidable accident which occurred around Mmuri bridge Ebem Ohafia yesterday 22nd December 2024. The incident we understand claimed six lives and left 3 others injured.
I extend my deepest condolences to the families of the fallen victims and to those who were injured as a result of the accident.
We understand that the driver of the truck bearing chippings lost control of his vehicle and in the process crushed a Toyota Sienna vehicle conveying passengers from Ohafia to Umuahia.
I urge the authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the remote and immediate cause of the accident. If it is determined that the truck is responsible for the accident then we would ensure that its owner is held accountable for the lives lost and the people injured. Furthermore the portion of the road where the accident occurred is in a very deplorable condition. The authorities are called upon to immediately take steps to fix the road and thereby contribute to the avoidance of these form of needless loss of lives and property.
I have been to the scene of the accident and note the severe trauma that the passengers of the vehicle would have suffered before their untimely deaths. Based on the request of one of the affected families I would provide pro bono legal representation to the persons affected by the accident and we would use our best endeavors to ensure that all those responsible for this avoidable loss are held accountable for their actions.
Etigwe Uwa SAN
