BY PAULINUS NTA
Barely two days after his 52nd birthday, Obong Nsima Ekere narrowly escaped death by the whiskers in an accident that left at least 7 police escorts lifeless in their pool of blood.
Eye witnesses who narrated the ghastly motor accident to our reporter said it happened yesterday, 1st June as the NDDC Managing Director, Obong Nsima Ekere was going to Uyo from Port Harcourt, at Regina Coeli junction, Ikot Abasi LGA. His police back up collided with a trailer while negotiating Essene\Ikot Akpa Enin, Mkpat Enin junction.
According to the source, both the NDDC convoy and the trailer ran on a high speed and lost control while trying to negotiate the sharp Regina Coeli bending.
It is gathered that seven police officers died at the spot leaving their riffles lonely on the blood thirsty road.
We also gathered that the former Deputy Governor, alerted the Divisional Police Officer, Ikot Abasi DSP Don InyangAbia who arrived at the scene and caused the bodies of the dead officers to be taken to Uyo.
A Senior Police Officer who spoke with our reporters said, the casualty figures are not up to seven as reported. He pegged the figure at two saying a civilian and a Police were killed in the accident. The police officer said that the rampaging trailer was impatient and couldn’t wait for the backup vehicles attached to the MD’s convoy to pass.
He narrated that it was when the backup vehicles of the MD’s convoy approached that the impatient tanker driver drove in and caused an accident in the scene. He said a stationed vehicle which had a singular occupant was killed and one policeman while many others were wounded and had since been taken to the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital for medical attention.
The Police Source maintained that Nsima Ekere personally conveyed the affected persons to the Teaching Hospital for medical attention before moving to Calabar, the Cross River State Capital to receive the acting President Yemi Osinbajo.
The MD of NDDC Obong Nsima Ekere confirmed the incident. He added that the accident affected the back up and expressed optimism that the casualties who have since been admitted in UUTH will be given the best of medical attention.
The MD further thanked Akwa Ibomites and Nigerians for the show of Love and solidarity they extended to him and members of his convoy upon learning of the accident. He said, he was overwhelmed with the outpouring of emotions that he got and promised to ensure that the casualties are given the best of proper medical attention.
When contacted for confirmation, the DPO, Don InyangAbia referred our reporter to the Akwa Ibom Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Chukwu Ikechukwu who said he had the information, though not from police source.
He said, “The number of casualties were not ascertained and the NDDC Manager is safe”.
Meanwhile, the Akwa Ibom State Governor Mr. Udom Emmanuel had condoled with Obong Nsima Ekere on the road accident and called on God to grant the soul of the departed eternal rest.
Governor Emmanuel also thanked God for the Safety of Ekere.
In a statement signed by Governor Emmanuel's Chief Press Secretary Mr. Ekerete Udoh, Governor Emmanuel prayed for the repose of the soul of the departed and a quick recovery to those who were injured," we thank God for the safety of our dear Brother, Mr. Nsima Ekere and others involved in the road mishap.
We ask God to grant the soul of the departed eternal rest and a quick and speedy recovery to the injured".
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