Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has expressed deep sadness over the death of one of its pioneer members, Chief Dominic Eze Uzu following a fatal accident along Kaduna-Zaria Highway on Tuesday.
A statement signed by SWAN Kaduna state Secretary, Okpani Jacob Onjewu Dickson, on Wednesday said: “While we mourn our departed colleague, we extend our sincere condolences to his wife, children, families and the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Kaduna State Council, where he served as Secretary twice
“We are grieved because this was an avoidable death, if the commercial vehicle driver had avoided overtaking when he lacked clear view of oncoming, even as we commend ongoing efforts on total overhauling of the ever busy route,” it stated.
The statement explained that the SWAN Kaduna State chairman, Comrade Isaiah Benjamin is still in shock, as the deceased was a close colleague, with whom they experienced good and bad moments.
SWAN therefore instructed its members to pray for the repose of the soul of the deceased, even as it plans a candle light solemn assembly in his honour.
SWAN also urged its members to pray for divine healing of his daughter, who is said to be in critical condition and receiving medical attention at a medical facility.
“Chief Uzu’s wealth of experience would be thoroughly missed. May his soul rest in peace. We pray God grants his family, friends and colleagues the fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss,” Dickson concluded.
Chief Uzu alongside four other passengers were burnt to death in a fatal road accident when a truck rammed into the commercial vehicle he was traveling in while taking his daughter to school at the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria, resulting in his death alongside three others on the spot when the commercial vehicle burst into flames.
