Abia govt shuts market after vehicle killed six

 Aba February 3, 2022

By Ijendu Iheaka

No less than six person were killed on the spot when an articulated vehicle fell inside a market - Ahia Udele - at Ogbor-Hill, Aba, Abia which harbors an abattoir in the early hours of Thursday.

An eyewitness told Our Correspondent that the vehicle bearing a 40-foot container, which had fabrics lost control killing many and injuring others.

The source who gave her name simply as Anna, a trader at the market said she escaped the accident by the whiskers.

Anna said that the accident killed a Tricycle driver who brought in a bereaved family into the market to buy meat for the burial of their loved one.

She said the driver waited in his tricycle while his passengers went to but meat in the market when the vehicle landed on him.

The source said that some moments later a crane was brought to the market to quicken rescues efforts but by 3 : 23 pm, the rescue effort had only succeeded in bringing out six bodies.

However, a source who did not give her name said another woman involved in the accident who was pregnant died on the way to the hospital. 

A survivor, Godspower Abel who spoke to Our Correspondent said that he was able to escape by God’s Grace and by the use of his mirror which enabled him to notice the problem and escape.

Godspower who had some injuries on the legs and hands returned in sadness to the scene where his Tricycle was crushed by the articulated vehicle.

Meanwhile, Abia government has shut the Ogbor-Hill Cattle Market and the adjoining Ahia Udele - a market harbouring the abattoir serving Aba.

The Deputy-Governor of the state, Sir Ude Oko-Chukwu said the government was giving the traders at the Cattle market and Ahia Udele ultimatum to relocate immediately for their safety.

He lamented the loss of lives at Ahia Udele and said the government was with the bereaved in their losses.

Chief John Okeiyi, the Commissioner for Trade, disclosing the shutting of the markets Thursday afternoon when he visited the scene of the accident said the decision was taken for the safety of the lives of Abia people.

He said that the government had provided additional funds to complete Omuma-Uzo modern abattoir in Ukwa West LGA which the government began about three years ago.

He said the traders at Ahia Udele should relocate to Goodmorning Market in Aba while the Cattle Traders should relocate to Omuma-Uzo. 

“While we mourn with those who lost loved ones in the unfortunate incident which occurred earlier today, it is important to state that the Ministry of Trade and Investment had long commenced processes to relocate the markets in line with public health advice received from the Ministry of Environment and other relevant agencies. 

"This gave rise to the acceleration of processes for the completion of the new abattoir which should be ready later this month. 

"The ministry wishes to appeal to those concerned to ensure full compliance with the directive to relocate without delay.

“We assure them that the ministry will do everything possible to ensure that they are properly settled to continue doing their businesses within a safer and healthier environment."