Ogbadigbo LGA delegation involved in fatal accident on Benue–Nasarawa highway; party mourns loss
Tragedy has struck the All Progressives Congress following the death of three of its members from Ogbadigbo Local Government Area. The victims reportedly lost their lives in a fatal road accident while travelling to attend the party’s zonal congress in Lafia.
According to initial reports, the incident occurred along a busy highway as the party members journeyed from Benue State to Nasarawa State. Eyewitness accounts suggest that the crash involved a commercial vehicle conveying the delegates, although the exact cause of the accident has not yet been officially confirmed by authorities.
Emergency responders were said to have arrived at the scene shortly after the crash. Despite efforts to assist, the three victims were pronounced dead due to the severity of their injuries. The identities of the deceased had not been formally released by the party at the time of this report, pending notification of their families.
The loss has cast a shadow over the APC’s zonal congress, an event expected to bring together party stakeholders, delegates, and officials from across the North-Central region. The congress was scheduled to deliberate on party affairs, zoning arrangements, and preparations ahead of future elections.
Party members and supporters have expressed deep sorrow over the sudden deaths, describing the incident as both shocking and heartbreaking. Local chapter leaders in Ogbadigbo LGA confirmed the members were travelling to represent their ward at the Lafia gathering. “They left home with enthusiasm to serve the party. This is a painful loss for us all,” one official said.
Leaders within the APC are yet to release a full statement, but sources indicate that condolences are already pouring in from various quarters. State and zonal officials are expected to visit the families of the deceased and adjust congress activities to honor the victims.
Road accidents remain a persistent concern across Nigeria, with similar incidents frequently reported during long-distance political and social travels. The Benue–Nasarawa corridor is heavily used by commuters, traders, and political delegations, especially during party conventions and campaign periods.
The Federal Road Safety Corps has repeatedly flagged speeding, poor road conditions, mechanical failure, driver fatigue, and night travel as major contributors to crashes on Nigerian highways. Commercial vehicles conveying large groups are particularly vulnerable when safety checks are not rigorously observed.
This latest tragedy adds to the growing list of fatal crashes that have claimed lives on highways connecting major states. In recent years, political parties have lost members to accidents while travelling for rallies, congresses, and primaries, prompting calls for safer travel protocols during party events.
Transport unions and safety advocates are urging political parties to prioritize convoy safety, enforce seatbelt use, avoid night trips, and ensure vehicles are roadworthy before embarking on inter-state journeys. Some have also suggested chartering fewer, larger buses with professional drivers instead of multiple smaller vehicles….See More
