Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has extended condolences to the family of Pius Etim who lost his life when a mast collapsed and fell on him at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium on Thursday.
The mast had fallen on the man when a strong wind preceded a heavy rain, disrupting a praise night planned as part of activities to mark Governor Okpehbolo’s 100 days in office.
The man, said to be the driver of the decorator of the venue, was reportedly killed by the mast when he tried to salvage the decorating materials.
The governor, through his chief press secretary, Fred Itua, described the tragedy as “unfortunate, sad and painful.
“I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of a young man, Pius Etim, during the intense rainfall and collapse of a mast at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City.
“On behalf of the people of Edo State, I offer my deepest sympathies to the family and loved ones of Pius Etim. Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this period of grief.”
Reacting to the main opposition party’s comment over the incident, Governor Okpebholo said such insensitivity and lack of empathy for the family of the deceased showed that the PDP in Edo State has lost touch with the people it once governed.
“Preliminary investigations show that the collapsed mast was erected by the administration of Godwin Obaseki, which did a shabby job.
“The poor job executed by the administration of Obaseki at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, which led to the unfortunate death of Pius Etim, will be investigated.
“The contractors who handled the poor job, if found liable, will face the full wrath of the law,” he added.
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