The Anambra State Government has said it will pay the bills for the medical treatment of all the victims of the accident which occurred on Friday, June 4, 2021, at the Akwata Junction in Awka when the driver of a truck filled with cows lost control of his vehicle and, in the process, killed eight persons and damaged some vehicles.
In a statement signed by C Don Adinuba, Commissioner For Information and Public Enlightenment, Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State also directed a team of top government officials to ensure that the victims receive proper medical attention and, if necessary, take them to Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Awka, or any other hospital in the state for superior attention.
Governor Obiano has also directed the high-powered team to visit families of the deceased victims as well as the owner of the cattle involved in the accident.
The Commissioner also noted that the Government and people of Anambra State abhor jungle justice and all manner of mob behavior. Such behavior has no place in any civilized environment. He said that like in every decent society, there are laid down procedures which aggrieved citizens and people take.
The governor said , through his Commissioner that Persons found guilty of irresponsible conduct in respect of the tragedy of last Friday will face the consequences of their action.
Adinuba said that without prejudice to the findings of the work of the panel which will look into the causes of the accident, the tragedy has underlined the critical need for big truck owners and drivers to constantly check the state of their vehicles before they set out every day with them on the road. They must also adhere to road safety rules like speed limit, especially in towns, cities and other places with high populations and economic activity. Drivers should also avoid stimulants like alcohol and drug.
The Anambra State Government thanked security officers, Anambra State Fire Service officials, Anambra State Traffic Maintenance Agency as well as ordinary citizens who raced to the scene of the Akwata Junction accident and did their best to maintain law and order and take victims to different hospitals. Adinuba concluded that most Anambra people always live up to the true meaning of the shared humanity and shared values.
