Several health workers have reportedly lost their lives in a fatal road accident along the Oke-Onigbin–Omu-Aran highway in Kwara State while returning from the 2026 Workers’ Day celebration in Ilorin.
The victims, said to be members of the Medical and Health Workers’ Union of Nigeria in Ekiti Local Government Area, were on their way home after participating in the May Day rally held at the Kwara State Stadium.
Eyewitnesses disclosed that the crash occurred in the evening after one of the vehicles conveying the workers suffered a tyre burst, causing the driver to lose control and leading to a collision.
Although the exact number of casualties had yet to be confirmed as of the time of filing this report, several others were said to have sustained varying degrees of injuries.
Reacting to the incident, the Chairman of Ekiti Local Government Council, Awelewa Olawale Gabriel, described the development as a devastating loss to the council and the health sector.
“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,” he said.
“We have lost patriots who served our communities with compassion and commitment,” he added.
Gabriel noted that the tragedy had cast a shadow over what should have been a moment of celebration, extending condolences to the bereaved families and the union.
He assured that the local government would collaborate with relevant authorities to support affected families and assist injured victims currently receiving treatment in hospitals.
Meanwhile, the Kwara State chapter of the union has declared a three-day mourning period in honour of the deceased, directing members to fly its flag at half-mast across the state.
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