19th October, 2015
Cyriacus Izuekwe
Igwe Gody Ezechukwu, the traditional ruler of Umuchu town in Anambra State, southeast Nigeria, where a truck crashed into a village market and killed many people including masquerades, has announced the burial arrangement for the victims.
Ezechukwu announced this on Sunday at his palace in the presence of the president general and leaders of the town.
He said the memorial service will be held on Saturday, 24 October, 2015 at the Umuchu Civic Centre in Aguata Local Government.
Ezechukwu who had earlier declared mourning, described the incident as tragic, saying the victims deserved to be honoured by organising a befitting burial for them.
He also noted the efforts made by Anambra State government when the incident happened by deploying its agencies who rescued the surviving victims and giving them financial assistance.
The president of the town, Barrister Kinsley Onunkwo, who also confirmed the burial arrangements, thanked the Anambra State government for the assistance during and after the incident.
He said Governor Willie Obiano paid all the medical bills for both the deceased and the survivors in various hospitals in the state.
He explained that the burial involves all the indigeines of the town both home and abroad who are expected converge on the Civic Centre for inter-denominational memorial service after which interment will take place.
A truck driver lost control of the vehicle after its brake failed and killed many people on Sunday evening, 11 October, 2015, at a market in Umuchu town.
At least 25 victims died at the spot and more than 40 people were seriously injured and were rushed to various hospitals in the area.
The incident happened at a village market called Afor in Ibughubu, Umuchu in Aguata Local Government at about 5.30 p.m.
The victims, mostly indigienes of the town, had gathered at the market square to watch masquerades after the their annual new yam festival held the previous day when the incident happened.
Apart from the dead and injured victims, many properties were destroyed including market structures and vehicles parked within the market.