Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic death of Pius Etim.
Etim died following the collapse of a mast at Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City, during heavy rainfall on Thursday evening.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, Governor Okpebholo described the incident as “unfortunate, sad, and painful,” extending his heartfelt condolences to the deceased’s family.
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of a young man, Pius Etim, due to the mast collapse during the intense rainfall. On behalf of the people of Edo State, I offer my deepest sympathies to his family and loved ones.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time,” the governor stated.
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However, Governor Okpebholo criticised leaders and members of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for allegedly celebrating the tragic incident on social media.
He condemned their actions as callous and lacking empathy, stating that the PDP in the state has lost touch with the people it once governed.
He said preliminary investigations indicate that the collapsed mast was installed during the administration of former Governor Godwin Obaseki.
Governor Okpebholo blamed the tragedy on what he described as substandard work done by the previous administration, accusing it of hiring compromised contractors to erect defective structures at the stadium.
“The poor job executed by the Obaseki administration at Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, which led to the unfortunate death of Pius Etim, will be thoroughly investigated. If any contractor or PDP official is found liable, they will face the full wrath of the law,” he asserted.
He promised a full inquiry into the incident to ensure accountability and prevent future occurrences.
