Abia Govt shuts market, orders relocation of traders, as casualty toll from truck accident rises

[From BONIFACE OKORO, Umuahia]

Following a ghastly accident which saw a fully-loaded articulated truck ram into a crowded market in Aba, killing about 10 persons, Thursday morning, the Abia Government has ordered the immediate its immediate closure relocation of those doing business in the area.

Early Thursday morning, a loaded trailer lost control and rammed into the popular Aba abattoir which is very close to Ahia Udele (Market) by the Waterside area of the ever-busy Ogbor Hill axis of Aba, killing several persons, an incident the government has described as “sad and shocking.”

Speaker of Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Chinedum Orji, has equally expressed shock over the incident.

Eye witnesses said about 10 persons died on the spot and many others injured. They said that those injured were taken to various hospitals across the state for treatment.

Reacting to the incident, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, who has visited the scene of the accident, ordered the immediate closure of the market and relocation of those doing business in the area.

The Governor, represented by his Deputy, Sir Ude Oko Chukwu, condoled with the bereaved families and wished those with injuries quick recoveries.

Meanwhile, the Governor’s order that the market be closed was contained in a statement issued by the Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Chief John Okiyi Kalu. The statement reads:

“Following the sad and shocking incident of a loaded trailer losing control and falling into the abattoir located at Waterside River area of Ogbor Hill, Aba, Abia State, the Governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu has directed the immediate closure of the abattoir/cattle market and the proximal Ahia Udele market.

“All those currently doing business in the above markets/abattoir should immediately relocate to the following locations: New Omuma Uzor Abattoir in Ukwa West and Good morning Market, Aba, for those currently in Ahia Udele.

“The Governor also directed the Ministry of Homeland Security to work with relevant security agencies in ensuring compliance.

“While we mourn with those who lost loved ones in the unfortunate incident which occurred earlier today, it is important to state that the Ministry of Trade and Investment had long commenced processes to relocate the markets in line with public health advice received from the Ministry of Environment and other relevant agencies. This gave rise to the acceleration of processes for the completion of the new abattoir which should be ready later this month.

“The ministry wishes to appeal to those concerned to ensure full compliance with the directive to relocate without delay while we assure them that the ministry will do everything possible to ensure that they are properly settled to continue doing their businesses within a safer and healthier environment.”

Also, Speaker of Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Chinedum Enyinnaya Orji, has commiserated with families of victims of the fatal accident.

While commiserating with families of the deceased, the Speaker said the news of fatalities from the accident was most shocking to him and urged the affected families to take solace in God who alone can comfort them in these trying times.

He assured them of his prayers and also prayed God to grant the souls of the departed eternal rest.