Late Akinwale Akintunde, THISDAY Judiciary Correspondent
*Obaigbena consoles family, unfolds relief package for widow, children
THISDAY Newspapers has expressed grief for the loss of its Judiciary Correspondent, Mr Akinwale Akintunde, who was killed in a truck accident in Apapa, Lagos.
In a report by the medium on Wednesday, Akintunde had died on Monday at the Lagos Island General Hospital, Lagos, where he was rushed to after a truck hit the commercial motorcycle that was taking him home after close of work.
The report stated that Akintunde had finished production for the Tuesday Law pages on Monday night and had set off for home but never made it to return to his son and pregnant wife.
The report narrated that he boarded a commercial motorcycle in Apapa, but on the way, he was hit by the truck driver who was trying to reverse without checking if the road behind him was free.
According to the report, eyewitnesses said that the commercial motorcyclist was trying to manoeuvre between stationary trucks when one of the hitherto stationary truck drivers moved out of its lane to another.
“While reversing, the truck driver hit the motorcycle and crushed both the rider and passenger”, the report stated. “Akintunde was first taken to the Apapa Health Centre but they suggested that he be taken to the general hospital given the gravity of his injuries”.
On Akintunde’s final moments, the report stated that Mr Henry Ojeluh, a colleague and friend, said, although the deceased was in pain, he was still lucid when he was taken to the hospital.
He was said to had been put on oxygen but the hospital and the neighbouring hospitals did not have his blood group.
THISDAY Managing Editor, Joseph Ushigiale, who was mandated to commiserate with the wife and family members and liaise with them on the burial plans, said the driver had been arrested and the truck impounded.
He said, “Some policemen that were at the scene of the accident apprehended the driver and impounded the truck. Akintunde was rushed to our corporate headquarters by the police team and some money was released for his treatment.
“A few hours later, the doctors pronounced him dead. I was mandated to liaise with the wife and family members to commiserate with them on his passing and also ascertain the burial plans.
“This morning, we broke the news to the pregnant wife. Afterward, some members of his family, church, colleagues and I converged on the mortuary to chart a way forward. May his soul rest in peace.”
In a condolence message to the bereaved family, the Chairman & Editor-in-Chief, THISDAY Media Group / ARISE News Channel, Nduka Obaigbena, pledged to bear the cost of the education of the children of the deceased.
He said, “Very very sad. Needless. May his soul find peace. Perfect peace. THISDAY will meet all financial costs of his burial, his continuing salary and the cost of the full education of his children. May God bless and keep his family.”
In tributes sent in by colleagues and friends, the report stated that the deceased was described as an easygoing, dedicated and resilient journalist who was passionate about his job.
