A yet-to-be-identified man lost his life on Thursday, February 20, when a mast at Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Edo State, collapsed during a heavy windstorm.
The incident occurred just before a downpour disrupted a praise night event, which was part of activities marking Governor Monday Okpebholo’s first 100 days in office.
According to reports, the 38-year-old victim was the driver of a decorator hired to set up the venue. Witnesses say he was attempting to salvage his employer’s decorating materials when the mast came crashing down, striking him fatally.
An eyewitness, who spoke on condition of anonymity, described the harrowing scene:
“We were all gathered at the stadium, waiting for the praise night to begin when strong winds started. Unfortunately, the mast collapsed, killing the man instantly. His head was shattered—it was a truly gory sight. I later learned that he was a driver assisting the decorator. After the rain subsided, most people left the stadium.”
Authorities have since removed the victim’s body and deposited it at the morgue. However, the Edo State Police Command has yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident.
