The Abia State Government has directed hospitals treating survivors of the tragic road accident that claimed the lives of fourteen traders from Bonny Street, Umuahia, to ensure they receive proper and timely medical attention.
The fatal accident occurred on Saturday, February 14, 2026, along the Enugu–Port Harcourt Expressway near the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital. The victims were returning to Umuahia from Enugu after attending a wedding ceremony when their vehicle collided with a trailer.
Following the crash, survivors were rushed to nearby medical facilities for emergency treatment, including the Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia and the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu.
The Commissioner for the Ministry of Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection, Mrs. Ngozi Blessing Felix, issued the directive during a hospital visit where she led ministry officials to assess the condition of the surviving patients in various hospitals in Umuahia. She also visited Bonny Street, Umuahia, where she addressed traders and residents of the area where the victims had carried out their businesses.
Mrs. Felix described the incident as a painful loss to the state and conveyed the government’s heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives.
She encouraged the survivors not to lose hope, noting that God had a purpose for sparing their lives. She disclosed that one of the victims receiving treatment at the Federal Medical Centre sustained a leg fracture and offered prayers for the speedy recovery of all the injured, as well as comfort for bereaved families. Some of the victims who are at home were also taken to Abia State specialist Hospital Umuahia.
Reassuring the patients, the commissioner stated that the Abia State Government stands in solidarity with them and all affected Abians, emphasizing that they are not alone in this difficult time. She further assured that the state government would provide necessary support, including settling the medical bills of the injured and extending assistance to the families of the deceased as directed by Governor Alex Otti.
Among the survivors visited in the hospitals were Mr. Chidozie Ohaeri from Amuzukwu Ibeku, Goodness Okoro and Mr. Chidozie Uchechukwu from Leru Umuchieze thanked Abia State government for coming to visit them.
