Sad! Ibori’s kinsman dies while celebrating his freedom in Oghara

- An okada cyclist on Wednesday died in Oghara while celebrating Ibori's fredom from prison

- He was overran by a jeep on high speed along Benin/Sapele highway

- He was rushed to Oghara Teaching Hospital but could not survive

The overwhelming jubilation and celebration that followed the release of James Ibori from London prison on Wednesday claimed the life of one in Oghara as a kinsman of the ex-Governor was involved in a ghastly auto crash leading to his death.

The deceased, simply identified as Ochuko, was said to be a commercial motorcyclist (popularly known as Okada) plying the major roads linking the various communities of Oghara, the administrative headquarters of Ethiope West Local Government Area of Delta State.

According to an eyewitness who only gave his name as Mackson Omomedia, Ochuko was riding along the Sapele/Benin expressway when he got the information that Ibori had been finally set free from the prison, having served his jail term.

Omomedia told our correspondent that the youth was between the age of 19 and 25 and that the accident occurred around 5:00 pm on Wednesday, adding that “a woman had just alighted from his machine (motorcycle) when he decided to join the celebration train of Ibori’s return. Unfortunately for him, he was hit by a car and he died.

"I couldn't identify the brand and model of the car because it was compressed due to the accident, but with the shape, it must be a sport flashing ash coloured car", Omomedia said.

Another eyewitness account said the deceased had already joined the celebration train and was flamboyantly displaying his cycling skills when he got knocked down by a jeep that was on top gears.

The source who craved anonymity disclosed that Ochuko was immediately taken to the Delta State University Teaching Hospital (DELSUTH), Oghara where he reportedly died after all efforts to revive him proved abortive.

Contacted, the Chairman of the Ethiope West Local Government Council, Solomon Golley, confirmed the sad development.

Golley described the death as unfortunate and avoidable, noting that he had always advised motorcyclists and other road users to embrace care and caution on roads, especially during the festive period.