Several health workers from Ekiti Local Government Area in Kwara State died on Friday evening in a fatal road accident on the Oke-Onigbin-OmuAran highway while heading home from the Workers' Day celebration in Ilorin.
The victims were members of the Medical and Health Workers' Union of Nigeria, MHWUN, who had spent the day at the Kwara State Stadium for the annual May Day rally. Eyewitnesses said one of the vehicles carrying the union members suffered a tyre burst in the evening, causing the driver to lose control. The crash that followed was devastating. Although the exact death toll remained unclear at the time of reporting, survivors were receiving treatment in hospitals for injuries sustained in the accident.
Awelewa Olawale Gabriel, the Chairman of Ekiti Local Government Council, said the tragedy had dealt a heavy blow to the council, the health sector, and the state. "Our hearts are heavy. These were dedicated professionals who left their homes to celebrate the dignity of labour, only to meet this unfortunate fate on their way back," Gabriel said. "We have lost patriots who served our communities with compassion and commitment."
Gabriel said the victims died in active service to humanity and noted that the incident had cast a dark shadow over what should have been a moment of unity and celebration for Nigerian workers. He extended condolences to the bereaved families and the entire MHWUN community, praying for the repose of the souls of the deceased and strength for those left behind. "The entire Ekiti Local Government Council stands with the MHWUN family at this difficult moment. We pray God Almighty to heal the injured, comfort the bereaved, and grant the departed eternal rest," he added.
The Kwara State chapter of MHWUN declared a three-day mourning period in response to the tragedy, directing members across the state to fly the union's flag at half-mast in honour of their fallen colleagues. Gabriel also assured that the local government would work with the Kwara State Government and relevant agencies to provide support for affected families and assist with the medical expenses of the injured. The Federal Road Safety Corps in the state could not be reached for comment at the time of reporting.
