So far, the death toll of staffers of Akwa Ibom Newspaper Corporation – publisher of The Pioneer newspaper- has risen to six.
The incident was reported to have occurred while staff members of the corporation were returning to Uyo, in an 18-seater Toyota Hiace bus belonging to The Nigeria Union of Journalists, Pioneer Chapel, after a traditional marriage ceremony of a daughter of one of its staff members in Ekpene Ukim, Uruan local government area of the state.
A statement by management of the corporation signed by Mrs Josephine Umoren, the secretary, for the general manager, Mr Umoette Umoette, said the lives of six staffers were cut short in the auto crash along Uyo-Oron Road leading to Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo, on Wednesday, December 11, 2019.
The statement officially named the six persons who lost their lives in the accident as Mrs Patience O. Sampson, chief commercial officer; Mrs Helen Ossom Asaka, higher executive officer (Accounts); Augustine M. Etukudo, chief clerical officer (G/D); Mr Ime Japhet Atado, chief senior trade assistant; Mfon Friday Eshiet, data processing officer; Mission Udo Ikpe and printer (Production Unit).
The statement said four persons who were involved in the accident lost their lives instantly, two more reportedly died after two days, bringing the total number to six only.
It dismissed as false speculations and rumours making the rounds in some quarters that many lives were lost in the cincident, noting that others who were also affected are still receiving treatment at the Ibom Specialty Hospital, Itam.
“The management, however, expressed deep sadness and grief over the unfortunate incidence, while sympathising with families of the affected staff members who lost their lives and prays for a quick recovery for those ones who sustained various degrees of injuries, out of the number who boarded the ill-fated vehicle,” the statement reads.
The management thanked the state governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel, and his deputy, Mr Moses Ekpo, for their prompt intervention, through sponsorship of the medical bills of the affected staff of the corporation, including other top government officials for their visitations, prayers and support to the accident victims.
“Their funeral arrangements shall be announced by their respective families, while we pray for the sweet repose of their souls,” the statement said.
Meanwhile, The Pioneer Group of Newspapers organised a collective service of songs in honour of their departed staffers and colleagues on Friday, December 27 at 2 p.m. at the AKNC Corporate Headquarters, Information Drive, Off IBB Way, Uyo.
The event which feaured feature prayers, songs, condolence messages and tributes in honour of the deceased staff also offered prayers for repose of the departed souls.
“The wife of a journalist in the corporation, Helen Asaka, died during the accident. But one of the departed will be laid to rest on Saturday while others will be buried later by their families,” the journalist confided.
The Sector Commander of FRSC, Mr. Sunday Oghenekaro, speaking with NAN in Uyo on Thursday attributed the accident to overloading and speeding, stressing that the bus conveyed 22 persons.
