Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Makurdi, Nigeria – A devastating road accident has claimed the lives of three youth leaders of the All Progressives Congress from Ogbadibo Local Government Area of Benue State, plunging the political community into mourning and raising renewed concerns about road safety along one of the region’s busiest inter-state highways.
The fatal incident occurred on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, along the Makurdi–Lafia highway as the victims were travelling to Lafia, the capital of Nasarawa State, to participate in the North Central Zonal Congress of the party. The journey, intended as part of routine political engagement and grassroots mobilization, ended in tragedy when the vehicle conveying the delegation was involved in a crash under circumstances that authorities are still working to fully establish.
The deceased have been identified as Hon. Anawo Benjamin from Orokam Ward 3, Hon. Ogbe Enemari from Ai-oono Ward 3, and Hon. Abraham Enenche from Olachagbaha Ward. All three were serving youth leaders within the APC structure in Ogbadibo and were described by party members as active grassroots mobilizers whose contributions had strengthened party presence at the local level.
Reports indicate that the victims died at the scene of the accident, while several other members of the delegation sustained varying degrees of injuries. Emergency responders and passersby were said to have assisted in evacuating the injured to medical facilities, with many of them receiving treatment at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital in Makurdi. Medical officials later confirmed that the injured victims were stabilized and responding to treatment following prompt intervention.
In the immediate aftermath of the crash, Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State visited the injured survivors at the hospital, where he assured them of full government support and quality medical care. The visit came after the governor had attended the same zonal congress in Lafia, highlighting the proximity of the tragedy to ongoing political activities within the region. During the visit, he interacted with victims and commended healthcare personnel for their swift response, while reiterating the state’s commitment to safeguarding the wellbeing of its citizens.
The incident has triggered an outpouring of grief across political and community circles. Comrade Daniel Onjeh, the APC’s 2023 senatorial candidate for Benue South, described the deaths as a heartbreaking loss, noting that the victims were dedicated party members whose efforts had significantly contributed to grassroots political development. He extended condolences to the families of the deceased and called for unity among party members during the difficult period.
Other political figures, including Senator Abba Moro representing Benue South, also expressed sorrow over the tragedy, describing it as devastating, particularly given that all the victims hailed from the same local government area. The loss has been widely viewed as a blow not only to the APC in Benue State but also to youth participation in local politics, where such leaders often serve as key mobilizers and community representatives.
Eyewitness accounts and preliminary reports have not conclusively established the exact cause of the accident, though common factors associated with similar incidents along the Makurdi–Lafia corridor include speeding, poor road conditions, and driver fatigue. Authorities are expected to conduct further investigations to determine the precise circumstances and whether any safety lapses contributed to the crash.
The Makurdi–Lafia road is a critical transport link connecting Benue and Nasarawa states, frequently used by traders, commuters, and political actors. However, it has also been associated with recurring accidents, prompting calls from residents and advocacy groups for improved road maintenance, stricter traffic enforcement, and enhanced driver awareness to reduce the frequency of such tragedies.
For the APC in Benue, the timing of the incident adds to its emotional weight, occurring during preparations and mobilization for a major zonal congress. Party insiders note that youth leaders play a vital role in coordinating grassroots participation and fostering engagement among younger members, making their loss particularly significant for the party’s local structure.
Beyond the political implications, the tragedy has reignited broader conversations about road safety in Nigeria, where traffic accidents remain a leading cause of death. Stakeholders continue to emphasize the need for systemic reforms, including infrastructure upgrades, enforcement of safety regulations, and public education campaigns aimed at reducing preventable road incidents.
As families mourn their loved ones and injured survivors continue to recover, the focus now shifts to both accountability and prevention. Authorities are expected to release further details as investigations progress, while community leaders and political stakeholders grapple with the emotional and structural impact of the loss. The incident stands as a sobering reminder of the risks associated with road travel and the urgent need for sustained interventions to ensure safer highways across the country.
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