On Saturday, August 30, 2025, Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, exhibited remarkable leadership and empathy when he personally intervened to rescue victims of a severe accident along the Benin-Auchi Highway, near the bypass.
While traveling to Irrua in Esan Central Local Government Area with his convoy, the governor encountered a massive traffic jam after the bypass. Upon assessing the situation, he immediately disembarked to investigate the cause.
At the scene, he found several victims in critical condition, many of whom were bleeding heavily. Tragically, bystanders had been standing by, recording videos instead of offering help.
Without hesitation, Governor Okpebholo took charge of the situation, ordering his security Hilux vehicles to be converted into emergency transport units. He personally oversaw the evacuation of the injured—among them a woman with severe injuries—who were carefully lifted into the waiting vehicles and rushed to nearby hospitals for urgent medical care.
Eyewitnesses later reported that the accident was caused by the reckless actions of the driver of a white Toyota Venza (ABUJA, GWA 50 AW), who had been driving against the flow of traffic. This led to a collision between the Venza and three commercial minivans packed with passengers. The violent impact left many injured and caused significant traffic delays.
Governor Okpebholo remained at the scene until he was certain that the victims were safely transported to a medical facility, escorted by a security vehicle. Only then did he resume his journey to Irrua.
His swift and compassionate actions earned him praise from onlookers, motorists, and local residents, many of whom lauded him for his decisive, human-centered leadership. One witness remarked, “Before the governor arrived, people were only filming the accident. But he stepped in, took control, and made sure the victims were helped. This is the kind of leadership we need—one that is driven by action and compassion.”
