Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, today, displayed uncommon compassion and leadership when he personally intervened to rescue victims of a ghastly motor accident along the Benin–Auchi Road after the by-pass.
The governor, who was en route to Irrua in Esan Central Local Government Area with his entourage, encountered a heavy gridlock after the by-pass and immediately alighted to assess the situation.
On arrival at the accident scene, he met several victims in critical condition, with many bleeding profusely, while bystanders stood helplessly, recording videos instead of offering assistance.
Moved by the dire state of the victims, Gov. Okpebholo ordered two of his security vehicles to be converted into an emergency transport vehicle.
He personally supervised as over 10 injured passengers, including a woman with severe injuries, were lifted one after another into the waiting vehicle and rushed to the hospital for urgent treatment.
Eyewitnesses recounted that the accident was caused by the driver of a white Toyota Venza, with registration number ABUJA, GWA 50 AW, who drove against traffic, resulting in a collision involving four vehicles; three commercial mini-buses loaded with passengers and the Venza.
The impact left scores injured and caused a major traffic standstill.
The governor remained at the accident scene until he was assured that the victims were safely conveyed to a medical facility under the escort of another security vehicle, before continuing his journey to Irrua.
His swift action drew applause from motorists, residents, and sympathizers, many of whom hailed him as a humane and God-fearing leader who places the sanctity of life above all else.
“Before the governor arrived, people were only taking pictures and videos. But he came, took charge, and ensured the victims were rescued.
“This is the kind of leader we need; one who leads with compassion and action,” an eyewitness remarked.
Meanwhile, the governor has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to confronting and defeating the twin scourge of cultism and kidnapping, which have long plagued the state.
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Speaking at a special thanksgiving service held at the Government House Chapel to mark his 55th birthday, Gov. Okpebholo declared that his government is winning the war against these criminal vices.
The governor recalled that just 48 hours after his inauguration in November 2024, he was confronted with the grim reality of cult-related violence that claimed the lives of over 20 young people in Edo State.
At the time, he was away on an official assignment in Akure, Ondo State.
“News of that tragedy reached me in Ondo barely two days after I assumed office. Right there, I vowed to fight cultism, kidnapping, and other criminal activities to a standstill.
“Nine months on, by God’s grace and with the support of Edo people, we are winning that war,” he declared.
Gov. Okpebholo stressed that his administration came at a time of turbulence and uncertainty in the state but has since provided stability, restoring confidence among the citizenry.
“This is a government that makes promises and keeps them. Whether it is security, roads, schools, or healthcare, we are delivering for the people of Edo State,” he added.
