Ebonyi govt urges restraint over viral convoy crash video, says full facts yet to emerge
By Amara Ehia, Abakaliki
The Ebonyi State Government has appealed to members of the public to refrain from drawing conclusions over a viral video involving a member of Governor Francis Nwifuru’s convoy, insisting that the full circumstances surrounding the incident are still under review.
The government, in a statement issued Thursday by the Special Assistant to the Governor on New Media, Leo Ekene Oketa, expressed concern over the public reactions generated by the video, saying short clips circulated on social media often fail to capture the complete sequence of events.
According to the statement, the government’s thoughts are with everyone affected by the incident, especially the injured advance rider, who it wished a quick and full recovery, while expressing gratitude that no life was lost.
The government stressed that official convoys and emergency response vehicles are designed to facilitate urgent public duties, explaining that advance riders and convoy personnel are deployed to warn motorists, secure intersections where necessary, and ensure the safety of both the convoy and other road users.
It noted that ambulances, fire service vehicles, security convoys and other authorized emergency responders often operate under time-sensitive conditions, making it imperative for motorists to comply with lawful traffic directives issued by police officers and other authorized personnel.
The statement further emphasized that obeying traffic instructions from security operatives is not only a legal obligation but also a civic responsibility capable of preventing avoidable road accidents and supporting life-saving and security operations.
The state government reaffirmed Governor Francis Nwifuru’s commitment to professionalism, respect for the rule of law and the protection of human life, saying these principles remain the cornerstone of his administration.
While assuring that the circumstances surrounding the incident are being reviewed, the government appealed to motorists to remain vigilant, exercise patience and cooperate with emergency responders and security convoys whenever they are encountered on the roads.
“The safety of every road user remains paramount. A few moments of caution and cooperation can save lives. Road safety is a shared responsibility, and every life matters,” the statement added.
