The Delta State chapter of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) has been thrown into mourning following the tragic deaths of the Chairmen of the union in Ika South and Ika North East Local Government Councils in a fatal road accident.
The deceased, Comrade Nwama Emmanuel Jolly, Chairman of NULGE, Ika South Local Government Council, and Comrade Nnamdi Memeh, Chairman of NULGE, Ika North East Local Government Council, lost their lives on Tuesday while returning from a NULGE meeting held in Orerokpe, the headquarters of Okpe Local Government Area of Delta State.
It was gathered that the two labour leaders travelled to the meeting by public transport and were returning home in a Toyota Sienna commercial vehicle when the accident occurred.
The crash reportedly happened between 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. along the Idumuesah/Owa-Oyibu Road after the driver allegedly lost control of the vehicle while attempting to avoid a collision with a motorcyclist who suddenly crossed into its path.
Eyewitnesses said the vehicle somersaulted several times before coming to a halt, leaving several passengers with varying degrees of injuries.
The injured victims were immediately evacuated to the Government General Hospital, Owa-Oyibu, where Comrade Nwama Emmanuel Jolly was confirmed dead by medical personnel.
Comrade Nnamdi Memeh, who sustained severe injuries in the crash, was placed on life support before being referred to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Asaba, for further treatment. Despite efforts by doctors to save his life, he later died.
The unfortunate incident has sent shockwaves across Ika Nation and the Delta State local government workforce, with workers, political leaders, colleagues, friends and residents expressing grief over the loss of the two union leaders.
Many described the deceased as dedicated labour advocates who committed themselves to the welfare of local government workers in their respective councils.
As news of their deaths spread, tributes continued to pour in from associates, labour unions and well-wishers, who prayed for the peaceful repose of their souls and strength for their families, colleagues and loved ones to bear the irreparable loss.
