The convoy of Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia was involved in an accident on Sunday in Ihugh, Vandeikya Local Government Area, leaving one person dead and another injured. The incident occurred during the governor’s visit to his hometown for Christmas celebrations.
Cause of the Accident
Sources revealed that the accident was caused by poor visibility from the dust on the untarred road. The dust reportedly obstructed the view of one of the convoy vehicles, causing it to veer off the road and collide with a motorcycle.
A local source explained, “The governor was on his way to church when the accident occurred. His vehicle was in the front, followed by others. Due to the dusty road, one of the vehicles lost visibility and rammed into a motorcycle.”
Governor’s Media Aide Responds
The Technical Adviser to the Governor on Media, Publicity, and Strategic Communication, Solomon Iorpev, confirmed the incident but clarified that the vehicle involved was not part of the convoy at the time of the accident.
“The vehicle was alone on a mission when it got involved in an accident caused by the dust. While trying to avoid an oncoming vehicle, it collided with a motorcycle,” Iorpev explained.
While Iorpev did not confirm the casualty figures, he expressed regret over the unfortunate incident.
Police Reaction
When contacted, the spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, Catherine Anene, stated that the incident had not yet been officially reported to the police.
Community Reactions
The accident has sparked discussions about the state of road infrastructure in the area, with residents highlighting the dangers posed by untarred and dusty roads. Calls for improved road maintenance and safety measures have intensified following the tragedy.
Conclusion
The fatal accident has cast a shadow over the governor’s Christmas visit to his hometown. As investigations continue, the incident underscores the need for enhanced road safety protocols and infrastructure improvements to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
