Ekiti in mourning as 6 doctors die in mishap

Ekiti government has declared three days of mourning following the death of six doctors in a road mishap, describing the accident as “the lowest point in the history of the state”.

The doctors had an accident on Sunday afternoon a few kilometres to Kaduna on their way to Sokoto for a free medical mission organised by the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA).

Those killed in the mishap are Dr. Aladesanmi of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Ido-Ekiti; Ojo Taiwo of the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH); NMA secretary, Akinyele Lexy; Dr. Ogunseye of the Health Management Board (HMB); EKSUTH Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) president, Dr. Olajide and Adeniyi James of the FMC.

The driver, Mr Ajibola, also died.

Ayodele Fayose, the state governor, described the deaths as “a monumental loss not only to the people of Ekiti state but to Nigerians”.

The state will mourn the victims on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, during which all flags are to be flown at half-mast.

“Ekiti has lost some of the best trees in its forest of medicine. I am deeply sad. This is one loss too many,” he said in a press statement.

“Death of seven prominent indigenes of a state in one day and at the same period is a burden too heavy to bear and it is my prayer that God, who is the only giver and taker of life, will give Ekiti people the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.

“It is my prayer that tragic incidents like this will not be witnessed in Ekiti State again and that God in His infinite mercies will console the families of the deceased.

“On behalf of my family, Government and people of Ekiti State, I express our heartfelt condolence for the loss of these promising sons of Ekiti and wish their families, friends and professional colleagues the continued support and guidance of the Almighty God.”