…says the Anambra road accident had plunged the youth body into deep sorrow.
Anambra State, Nigeria – The iNews Times | The Umuezeanya Youth Association of Umuoba Anam has declared a four-day mourning period following the tragic death of its active member, Mr. Ezebuilo Ikwegbuo, who died in a fatal Anambra road accident.
Ikwegbuo, described as an illustrious and vibrant member of the association, died on Sunday night when his vehicle somersaulted along the Otuocha–Nkwelle road in Anambra East Local Government Area of Anambra State.
In a statement jointly signed by the Chairman, Secretary and Public Relations Officer of the group, Olisemeka Obeche, Osita Nneke and Augustine Okafor, the association said the Anambra road accident had plunged the youth body, the entire village and the wider Umuoba Anam community into deep sorrow.
According to the statement, the four-day mourning period from March 9 to March 12, 2026, was declared in honour of the deceased, whom they described as one of the most dedicated members of the association.
“Ezebuilo Ikwegbuo, one of our most vibrant and active members, tragically lost his life in a fatal motor accident over the weekend along the Otuocha–Nkwelle road,” the statement said.
“He was returning from the burial ceremony of the father of a former chairman of Umuezeanya Youth Association, Mr. Alias Okaa Ogolo, when his vehicle somersaulted and crashed into a roadside valley.”
The association described Ikwegbuo as a key pillar of the Umuezeanya youth movement whose dedication to unity and community progress stood out.
“We consider him one of the pillars of the Umuezeanya youth movement. His energy and commitment to the unity and progress of the association were unparalleled,” the group stated.
The statement further disclosed that all social activities on the association’s platform had been suspended during the four-day mourning period as a mark of respect.
“We have put everything on hold until this mourning period is over because we have lost a brother, a leader, a voice of reason and a major contributor to our progress.
“Ezebuilo’s death is not only a loss to his immediate family but also to the entire Umuezeanya youth, the village and the Umuoba Anam kingdom,” Obeche explained.
While mourning their fallen member, the association also drew the attention of the Anambra State Government to the deplorable condition of the 3-3–Nkwelle–Otuocha road, which they believe contributed to the Anambra road accident.
Eyewitnesses reportedly blamed the crash on deep potholes and poor lighting along the road, describing the route as a death trap for motorists.
“We cannot continue to bury our youths on this road. Government has talked about dualising this axis, but the time for talk is over. We need action now,” the group lamented.
The association specifically called on Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, to expedite the proposed dualisation and rehabilitation of the 3-3–Nkwelle–Otuocha road.
While acknowledging government announcements aimed at unlocking traffic gridlock in the area, the group expressed concern over the slow pace of work on the road.
“We therefore call on the Solution Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, to fast-track the project to prevent further loss of lives,” the youths said.
“We plead that this project be treated as an emergency. While awaiting full dualisation, we urge the state government to immediately intervene with palliative measures on the worst-hit sections to make the road motorable.
“The road serves as a critical economic lifeline for communities in the area, and its current condition is crippling local businesses and endangering lives daily,” they added.
