UNIBEN

Jethro Ibileke/Benin

Three lecturers of the University of Benin (UNIBEN), were among the 22 victims of the road crash roasted last weekend at Abudu, on Benin-Asaba-Onitsha dual carriage way.

The Public Relations Officer of the University, Mr. Michael Osasuyi, who confirmed the death, said the three lecturers were in the Faculty of Pharmacy and that they were returning from Awka in Anambra State, when they lost their lives in the multiple accident which involved eight vehicles.
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The names of the deceased lecturers were given as Prof. Lucky Okunrobo, Head of Pharmaceutical Chemistry; Dr. Godwin Joseph, Acting Head, Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Dr. Saturday Idemudia, Assistant Lecturer, Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology.

A statement signed by Mr. Osasuyi, said the University’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Faraday Orunmwense, expressed shock over the death of the three lecturers‎ and commiserate with families of the deceased.

The deceased lecturers and other victims of the accident have since been given a mass burial near the site of the accident.

The Public Relations Officer of the Edo Sector Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), George Otoaviokhai, who confirmed the mass burial, said the victims were buried last Saturday, adding that their charred bodies could not be identified by their families.

Meanwhile, Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has commiserated with the Vice Chancellor, the management staff and students of the University of Benin, on the death of the lecturers.

The Governor in his condolence statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. John Mayaki, described the number of lives lost in the incident as “unfortunate and mind boggling.

“This, indeed, is an unfortunate incident in which several lives including four members of the academia have been lost in one fell swoop.

“I, on behalf of the good people of Edo state, commiserate with the Vice Chancellor and management of the institution and family members of the deceased lecturers for this great loss.

“Our heart-felt pain also go out to family members who lost their loved ones in the sad incident.

“While the state government will liaise with the relevant agencies to know the actual cause of the accident, the state government however, encourages motorists and other road users to comply with traffic safety measures at all times, especially during this festive period,” the statement said.
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