The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has been thrown into mourning as six of their members died in an auto crash in Doka, along Abuja- Kaduna road on Sunday, April 24, 2016.
The deceased doctors were said to have been on their way to Sokoto State from Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, for the association’s Annual General Meeting (AGM).
Seven other medical doctors survived the accident with varying degrees of injuries and are currently receiving treatment at St Gerald Catholic hospital where they were rushed to by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) team.
The names of the deceased medical practitioners have been released among whom are: Dr. Aladesanmi of the Federal Medical Centre, Ido-Ekiti; Dr. Ojo Taiwo of the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital; the Ekiti State Secretary of the NMA, Dr. Akinyele Lexy; Dr. Ogunseye of the Health Management Board; The President of the EKSUTH Association of Resident Doctors, Dr. Olajide; Dr. Adeniyi James of the FMC.
The driver of the 13 seater bus, identified only as Mr. Ajibola also died in the accident.
In reaction to the sad incident, Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State on Monday, April 25, 2016 condoled with the family of the deceased, the NMA and the state in general and declared a three-day mourning period between Monday and Wednesday, April 27, 2016.
In a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka, Fayose directed that all flags should be flown at half mast.
He said: “Ekiti has lost some of the best trees in its forest of medicine. I am deeply sad. This is one loss too many.
“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 live will give Ekiti people the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.
“It is my prayer that tragic incident 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.”
