The Abia State government has ordered the closure of Ahia-udele (market) following the accident that occurred Thursday morning in Water-side, Ogbor-hill Aba, the commercial city of Abia State.
AbaCityBlog reported that that a 40ft container Truck loses control and rammed into Ogbor-hill abattoir otherwise known as Ahia-udele. The incident allegedly claimed the lives of many, as reports had it that only three persons has been confirmed dead.
When AbaCityBlog visited the accident scene, an eyewitness told our reporter that about 10 people were dragged out of the vehicle which crashed into the market, two tricycle was crushed by the trailer.
The eyewitness said he was among those that dragged out victims who were trapped under the vehicle, he confirmed that 3 persons died at a spot, several others were rushed to the nearby hospital.
A tricycle operator who survived the accident, said he saw the truck coming down from Waterside with full speed and he has to jump out of his tricycle sensing danger, but he however, sustained injuries as his tricycle was also crushed.
Reacting to the incident, governor Okezie Ikpeazu led Abia government ordered total shutdown of the abattoir and Ahia-udele. The governor gave the directives through the commissioner for trade and investment, Chief Okiyi Kalu.
The governor in a statement signed by the commissioner for trade and investment directed traders in ahia-udele to relocate to Good Morning Market.
The statement read:
Following the sad and shocking incident of a loaded trailer losing control and falling into the abattoir located at Waterside River area of Ogbor Hill, Aba, Abia State, the Governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu has directed the immediate closure of the abattoir/cattle market and the proximal Ahia Udele market.
All those currently doing business in the above markets/abattoir should immediately relocate to the following locations:
1. New Omuma Uzor Abattoir in Ukwa West
2. Good morning Market, Aba, for those currently in Ahia Udele.
The Governor also directed the Ministry of Homeland Security to work with relevant security agencies in ensuring compliance.
While we mourn with those who lost loved ones in the unfortunate incident which occurred earlier today, it is important to state that the Ministry of Trade and Investment had long commenced processes to relocate the markets in line with public health advice received from the Ministry of Environment and other relevant agencies. This gave rise to the acceleration of processes for the completion of the new abattoir which should be ready later this month.
The ministry wishes to appeal to those concerned to ensure full compliance with the directive to relocate without delay while we assure them that the ministry will do everything possible to ensure that they are properly settled to continue doing their businesses within a safer and healthier environment.
