Nigerian Medical Association topshots die in road crash

At least six officials of the Nigerian Medical Association died in a road accident on Sunday, an official has said.

Peter Ogunnubi, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Chapter of the Association told PREMIUM TIMES that the affected executives took off from Ekiti State on their way to Sokoto State.

“Six of them are already dead” Mr. Ogunnubi said while sobbing over the phone.

The doctors were travelling to Sokoto for the association’s Annual General Meeting.

At the time of filing this report, names of the affected members were yet to be disclosed.

In an interview with PREMIUM TIMES Sunday night, the immediate past president of the NMA, Dr. Osahon Enabulele, confirmed the incident.

“For now, from my own side, though unconfirmed, there are speculations that five or seven persons have died in the process,” Mr. Enabulele said. “Though there’s no official statement yet, what I gathered is that it was a ghastly motor accident resorting from a burst tyre.

“While trying to manage the situation, the bus hit a culvert. That is the sketchy information available to me right now. But at the appropriate time, there would be official details. But clearly, there was a ghastly accident,” Mr. Enabulele said.

The affected doctors took off from Ekiti State Sunday hoping to arrival Monday in time for the AGM’s opening ceremony on Tuesday April 26.

Mr. Enabulele said it remained unclear yet whether the AGM would be cancelled, saying the mishap would affect the mood of participants.

“My heart goes out to all Nigerian doctors, particularly the team from Ekiti State and I wish them quick recovery. If anyone is involved in the fatality, as in death, I express my condolence to their families and loved ones, He said.