May Day Tragedy: Kwara Mourns As 3 Health Workers Die In Auto Crash

Tragedy struck in Kwara State on Friday as three health workers lost their lives in a fatal road accident.

The accident occurred when the deceased and their colleagues were returning to their base in Ekiti local government area of the State after participating in the 2026 Workers’ Day rally in Ilorin, the state capital.

The victims were members of the Medical and Health Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MHWUN), Ekiti local government area chapter.

LEADERSHIP gathered that the accident occurred along the Oke-Onigbin–Omu-Aran Road when the vehicle they were travelling in had a burst tyre, causing the driver to lose control and leading to a devastating crash.

Reacting to the incident, the chairman of Ekiti local government area, Hon. Awelewa Gabriel, described the development as a painful blow to the council, the health sector, and the state as a whole.

“Our hearts are heavy. These were dedicated professionals who left their homes to celebrate the dignity of labour, only to meet this unfortunate fate on their way back. We have lost patriots who served our communities with compassion and commitment,” he said.

The Kwara State chapter of MHWUN has declared a three-day mourning period over the incident, directing its members across the state to fly the union’s flag at half-mast in honour of their fallen colleagues.

Also, the executive secretary of the Kwara State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (KWSPHCDA), Prof. Nusirat Elelu, has expressed sorrow on the tragic road accident that claimed the lives of the three health workers.

Elelu described the incident as painful, shocking, and a great loss, not only to the families of the deceased, but also to the entire health sector and Kwara State at large, especially at a critical time when efforts were being intensified to protect children through the ongoing polio immunisation campaign.

She stated that the dedication and commitment of the deceased to public service and community health would never be forgotten, noting that they died in active service to humanity and the development of their communities.

“We are deeply saddened by this heartbreaking incident. These were committed officers who contributed immensely to the success of the ongoing polio immunisation exercise, serving their communities with dedication. Their sudden loss is a painful blow to all of us,” she said.

Elelu prayed for the peaceful repose of the souls of the departed and asked God to grant their families, colleagues, and the entire people of Ekiti LGA the strength to bear the irreparable loss.

She also wished the injured victims a speedy recovery and assured them of the agency’s support and solidarity during this difficult period.