Umuezeanya Youths Declare 4 Days Mourning over Member’s Death in Auto Crash

By Our Reporter

Umuezeanya Youth Association of Umuoba Anam has declared four days mourning over the sudden death of their active member, late Mr. Ezebuilo Ikwegbuo in a car crash.

Ikwegbuo, an illustrious member of the association died on Sunday night in a car crash along Otuocha-Nkwelle road in Anambra East Local Government Area of Anambra State.

He was returning from a burial ceremony of father of Mr Alias Okaa Ogolo, former chairman of Umuezeanya Youth Association, when his vehicle somersaulted and crashed into road side valley.

An official statement jointly signed by chairman, Secretary and PRO of Umuezeanya Youth, Chief Olisemeka Obeche, Osita Nneke and Augustine Okafor, explained that declaration of the four day mourning period from 9th-12th March, 2026 was to honour the deceased who was one of the most vibrant members of the association.

“Ezebuilo Ikwegbuo, one of our most vibrant and active members tragically lost his life in a fatal motor accident over the weekend.

“The incident, which occurred along the Otuocha-Nkwelle road, has plunged the association, the entire village and indeed Umuoba Anam community into deep sorrow.

“We consider him as one of the key pillars of Umuezeanya youth movement. His energy and commitment to unity and progress of the association were unparalleled.

The statement further disclosed that as a mark of respect, the association has suspended social activities within its platform during the four days mourning period.

“We have put everything on hold till this mourning period is over, for we have lost a brother, a leader, a voice for a reason and major contributor to our progress.

“Ezebuilo’s death is not just a loss to his immediate family but to the entire Umuezeanya youth and village as well as Umuoba Anam kingdom,” Obeche explained.

While mourning their fallen comrade, the association has used this moment of grief to draw the attention of the Anambra State Government to the deplorable state of the 3-3-Nkwelle-Otuocha road.

According to eyewitnesses, the accident that claimed the life of their member was caused by the poor condition of the road, specifically citing deep potholes and lack of adequate lighting, which have made the road a death trap for commuters.

“We cannot continue to bury our youths on this road. The government has talked about dualising this axis, but the time for talk is over. We need action now,” the association lamented.

“Umuezeanya Youth Association is specifically calling on Governor Chukwuma Soludo to expedite action on the proposed dualization and rehabilitation of the 3-3-Nkwelle-Otuocha road.

“While we acknowledged recent announcements regarding plans to unlock the traffic gridlock in the area, we are concerned over the slow pace of action in fixing the road. We therefore call on the Solution Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo to fast-track the project to prevent further loss of lives.

“We plead that this project be treated as an emergency. While we await the full dualization, we urge the state to immediately intervene with palliative
measures on the worst-hit portions to make the road motorable.”

The association noted that the road serves as a critical economic lifeline for communities in the area, and its current state is crippling local businesses and endangering lives daily. They expressed hope that the government would heed their call and ensure that no other family experiences the pain they are currently enduring.