Enugu tanker explosion: Nwifuru donates N5m, relief materials to victims’ families

Ebonyi State Governor, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, yesterday gave five million naira and relief materials to the family of Mr. Jeremiah Nwaji, who recently lost eleven members in a tanker explosion in Enugu.

Governor Nwifuru, who was represented by his wife, Mrs. Uzoamaka Nwifuru, presented the gifts to the family while commiserating with them over the tragic incident that claimed the lives of their relatives at Abofia village in Ebonyi Local Government Area of the state.

The eleven victims died while returning from Anambra State for the burial of their late father, Chief Augustine Nwaji.

They were among the victims of the gas explosion that occurred at Ugwu Onyeama along the Anambra-Enugu Expressway, which claimed the lives of eleven family members, including the father, mother, six children, younger brothers, and a housemaid.

During a solemn visit, a high-powered delegation from the state government conveyed the deepest sympathies of the government and people of Ebonyi State to the bereaved family.

Speaking on behalf of the governor, Mrs. Nwifuru expressed profound grief over the heartbreaking incident, describing it as an irreplaceable loss not only to the family but also to the entire Ebonyi State.

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The First Lady also used the opportunity to pray for the souls of the departed, urging the family to find solace in God.

“This tragedy is deeply painful, and we share in the sorrow of the Nwaji family. Losing multiple family members in such a horrific manner is beyond comprehension. As a government, we stand with you in this time of grief, and we assure you of our unwavering support,” she stated.

The Chairman of ALGON and Ebonyi Local Government Area, Mr. Chinedu Uburu, and the Chief of Staff, Government House, Prof. Emmanuel Echiegu, in their separate speeches, assured the bereaved family of their commitment to assisting them in every possible way to alleviate their pain.

The victim’s brother, Mr. Ikechukwu Nwaji, said his late brother and family met their untimely death on January 25, 2025, while returning for the burial of their late father, scheduled for January 30.

He pleaded with the government to advise heavy-duty vehicles to operate only at night to reduce such accidents.

Also, one of the family members, Mr. Emeka Igwe, commended the state government for the visit and requested their prayers in this period of mourning.

Highlights of the visit included signing the condolence register and presenting gifts to the bereaved family.