…the entire Ekiti Local Government Council stands with the Medical and Health Workers’ Union of Nigeria family at this difficult moment.
WARA, NIGERIA- The iNews Times| Several health workers lost their lives on Friday in a fatal road accident along the Oke-Onigbin–Omu Aran highway while returning from the 2026 Workers’ Day rally in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital.
The victims, who were members of the Medical and Health Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MHWUN) in Ekiti Local Government Area, were reportedly heading home after participating in the annual May Day celebration held at the Kwara State Stadium in Ilorin when the tragic crash occurred.
Although the exact number of casualties could not be confirmed, eyewitnesses said the accident happened in the evening when one of the vehicles conveying the union members suffered a tyre burst. The incident caused the driver to lose control, resulting in a devastating crash.
Reacting to the development, the Chairman of Ekiti Local Government Council, Awelewa Olawale Gabriel, described the incident as a painful loss to the council, the health sector, and the state at large.
“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 lamented.
He noted that the tragedy has cast a dark shadow over what should have been a moment of unity and celebration for Nigerian workers, adding that the victims died while actively serving humanity.
The chairman extended condolences to the bereaved families and the entire MHWUN community, praying for the repose of the deceased and strength for those left behind.
“The entire Ekiti Local Government Council stands with the Medical and Health Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MHWUN) family at this difficult moment. We pray God Almighty to heal the injured, comfort the bereaved, and grant the departed eternal rest,” he added.
Some of the union members who survived the crash are currently receiving treatment in hospitals for injuries sustained, while the council boss expressed hope for their speedy recovery.
Although official casualty figures were yet to be confirmed as of press time, the incident has thrown the local government and labour community into mourning.
In response, the Kwara State chapter of MHWUN declared a three-day mourning period, directing members across the state to fly the union’s flag at half-mast in honour of their fallen colleagues.
The council chairman also assured that the local government would collaborate with the Kwara State Government and relevant agencies to support affected families and assist with the medical expenses of the injured.
Efforts to reach the Federal Road Safety Corps in the state for comments were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.
