Victims of the fatal road accident involving an 18-seater passenger bus and a Dangote truck along the Benin–Sapele Expressway by Koko junction in Ethiope West Local Government Area of Delta State on May 25, 2026, have been buried amidst tears from loved ones.
Key highlights:
The mass burial was organised by the Ethiope West Local Government Council at its cemetery in Oghareki, even as the severe condition of the bodies made identification impossible.
Police officers, council officials, family members, and sympathisers escorted the remains of the victims in a motorcade to the cemetery.
Speaking at the burial ceremony, the Supervisor for Environment, Hon. Wisdom Gabriel, explained that the local government received news of the incident the following morning, adding that the bus was trapped beneath the Dangote truck, resulting in a fire that left the victims burnt beyond recognition.
According to him, the Chairman of the council, Hon. Christian Onogba, on receiving news of the accident, immediately directed that the bodies be evacuated to the mortuary, while announcements were also made through the media to help identify and locate the families of the deceased.
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The Supervisor regretted that the Council Chairman was unable to attend the burial ceremony due to circumstances beyond his control.
The ceremony was marked by deep emotions as family members and sympathisers paid tribute to the deceased, recalling their admirable qualities and expressing the pain of their sudden departure.
They commended the police and staff of the council, particularly the Chairman, Hon. Onogba, for supporting the funeral arrangements.
They condemned the reckless driving habits allegedly associated with some truck drivers on Nigerian roads, just as they called for a thorough investigation into the accident and demanded justice for the victims.
