A boat conveying supporters of the Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege, for a political campaign has capsized in Warri River in Okerenkoko, killing two persons.

The incident, which happened on Tuesday, also left seven others on board injured and three missing. 

Ima Niboro, the Director of Communications and Media Strategy of the Delta APC Campaign Council confirmed the incident on Wednesday. 

“Information at our disposal indicates that a commercial boat travelling in the opposite direction rammed into the boat carrying our supporters, and that two persons lost their lives, three are missing, and seven others are in hospital receiving treatment from injuries sustained in the accident,” Mr Niboro said in a statement. 

Mr Omo-Agege is the 2023 governorship candidate of the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta state. 

The incumbent Deputy Senate president is aiming to succeed governor Ifeanyi Okowa who also doubles as the vice-presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).  

Speaking further on the incident, Mr Niboro described the death of the supporters as saddening, noting that “this is one tragedy too many, and our party is officially in mourning.”

He said the campaign council has decided to suspend all political activities to mourn the souls of the departed. 

“We are currently working with the relevant authorities and communities to search for the missing. We are also in the process of reaching out to the families and loved ones of those that lost their lives, while ensuring that the injured receive the best care possible.

“In honour of the dead, missing and injured, we have decided to indefinitely suspend all further campaigns. The Campaign Council will advise on the next steps in the coming days and weeks,” he added.