Date Published: 05/15/11

Rochas' victory tragedy: Bereaved families seek assistance

Rochas Okorocha

The families of the three youths who died while celebrating the electoral victory of Imo State governor-elect, Owelle Rochas Okorocha have solicited for assistance from him and his party, All Progressive grand Alliance (APGA).

The deceased namely Chukwuebuka Alagbaoso, Stanley Ebere Unegbu and Ifeanyi Pius Ukpaka, hailed from Okohia Community in the same Ideato South Council as Okorocha’s Ogboko Community. They were killed in a road mishap on Saturday, May 7 as celebrations over the electoral victory of Okorocha reached a feverish pitch.

Late Chukwuebuka’s father, Chief Felix Alagbaoso called on the owner of the motor vehicle that crushed the youths to bankroll their burial expenses.

Grief-stricken Chief Alagbaso said he was yet to come to terms with the reality of the demise of the threesome. He recalled that his wife died not long ago, adding that the deceased were responsible young men who would have brought honour and development to the community.

According to Chief Alagbaoso, ‘the loss is heavy on me. They were intoxicated with joy because their kinsman, Rochas won. They ensured APGA won in this booth ( pointing at the polling booth in his compound). So when it was announced that Rochas won the election, I heard my late son when he shouted that their effort was not in vain. It was at that point, the three of them left on Ifeanyi’s motorcycle. That was the last I saw my son alive.’

For Mr. Celestine Ukpaka, late Ifeanyi’s father,’my son was about graduating from the university. I am a farmer. Look at the place we are staying. All hope is almost lost. I thought my problems will soon be over. He told me if Rochas is governor that he will secure a job faster after his NYSC programme and that he will ensure Rochas wins in this booth.’

Ifeanyi was a final year Economics student of Evan Enwerem University Owerri.

The Unegbus bemoaned their fate, saying they have spent much burying their patriarch, late Pa Clement Anucham Unegbu, whose remains was committed to earth four days before the tragic end of Ebere. Ebere worked as a welder at an oil firm in Bayelsa State.

An indigene of the area who prefers to be identified as Mr Wythe said:’ those boys campaigned vigorously for APGA and secured 169 votes for Rochas in their booth. The party should identify with their families at this moment of grief’.