The chairman of the Adim community in the Akpa district of Otukpo, Local Government, Benue State, Mr. Jerome Oblete, fell from an 80-metre-high railway bridge at Onyeweyi on February 27, 2024.
Mr. Oblete, who was on assignment with the Peace and Reconciliation Committee, sustained severe injuries, including fractures to both legs.
The chairman was trying to roll a motorcycle across the narrow bridge when he lost his balance and fell.
According to the National Secretary of the Adim Community Development Association (ACDA), Mr. Bernard Essem, Mr. Oblete was promptly rushed to St. Daniels Hospital in Otukpo. However, due to the severity of his injuries, he was referred to an orthopaedic facility in Kano or Enugu.
In a telephone conversation with AkweyaTV, Mr. Essem expressed the community’s shock and concern over the accident.
Meanwhile, the National President of ACDA, Mr. Eugene Oglegba, addressed members of the Adim community, expressing his deep dismay and calling for solidarity and support during this challenging time.
“I received the rude and devastating shock of the accident involving our dear Chairman, Jerome Oblete. The visuals of the unfortunate event are traumatic, to say the least, and only God can provide the strength and succour for him to pull through this very trying test.
“To think this happened in the course of active duty to the Akweya Nation is something that should strike sober reflections amongst us. There are a lot of people quietly labouring for good and the development of the Akweya people who may never be known.,” he said.
Mr. Oglegba’s statement reflected the commitment of individuals like Mr. Oblete who tirelessly work for the betterment of the Akweya people, often unrecognised. He urged the ACDA leadership to lead in supporting Mr. Oblete and his family. Acknowledging the outpouring of financial contributions from community members towards Mr. Oblete’s medical bills, Mr. Oglegba expressed gratitude and faith in the healing process.
Records of financial donations posted by Mr. Essem on the ACDA platform illustrate the community’s generous response to assist Mr. Oblete during his recovery.
The peace and reconciliation committee was established by the District Head of Akweya to settle the dispute between Adim, Onyeweyi, and Otobi.
Follow the AkweyaTV channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va7m7dvJuyA7h5XMc22i
