The Edo State Emergency Management Agency (EdoSEMA) has led a coordinated response to the tragic motor accident which occurred at the Ovia River Bridge in Ovia South-West Local Government Area of Edo.
Upon receiving a distress call from the Head of Social Department (HOD), Ovia South-West Local Government Area, the Executive Secretary of EdoSEMA, Hon. Jerry Idahosa, activated the Agency’s emergency response Team and coordinated with key partners, including the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), amongst other relevant stakeholders.
The Joint Response Team described the incident as a disaster. Its timely intervention ensured the swift evacuation of the deceased and the clearance of the road for free-flow of traffic.
Tragically, one of the victims, identified as Mr. Teri Iba Julius, was confirmed dead at the scene. His corpse was evacuated by EdoSEMA and NEMA to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) Comprehensive Health Centre, Udo in Ovia South-West LGA. Other victims including a woman identified as Christabel from Delta State, three critically injured persons and a baby had already been taken to UBTH for medical attention before the arrival of the Emergency Team.
The Executive Secretary, EdoSEMA led his Team to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) in Benin City, the following day, to assess the condition of the surviving victims.
During the visit, Hon. Idahosa expressed gratitude to the UBTH Management for the prompt collaboration, professionalism and humanitarian support, acknowledging the vital role played by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Cyril Adams Oshiomhole and staff of the Ministry of Health, whose swift intervention facilitated the prompt reception and treatment of the victims at the Hospital’s Emergency Unit.
He commended the hospital administration for working closely with emergency responders throughout the process to ensure that the victims received immediate care.
The Executive Secretary further assured that a detailed report on the victims’ condition would be presented to His Excellency, Governor Monday Okpebholo, who had conveyed his sympathy and prayers for the victim’s speedy recovery.
A relative of the deceased, Mr. Osarodion Imasikhomwan, expressed deep appreciation to the Edo State Government and EdoSEMA for their prompt intervention, explaining that he received a distress call around 3.00 p.m. from his cousin, informing him about the accident, and while he was still making efforts to arrange an ambulance, the EdoSEMA and NEMA team arrived at the scene and did the needful.
In his words, “I was shocked to see the Emergency Team already at the scene just when I was trying to organise an ambulance. Their quick response gave us hope and showed that the government truly cares about its citizens in times of need. I sincerely thank the State Government and EdoSEMA for standing by us during this difficult moment”.
The Agency has reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining strong collaboration with all emergency stakeholders to ensure timely and effective responses to disasters and emergencies across Edo State.
Edeniyere Abraham Osose
Public Relations Officer
EdoSEMA
PHOTO CAPTION
The EdoSEMA Emmergency Response Team during the rescue operations at Ovia River in Ovia South-West LGA of Edo State.
