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The Abia State government has disbursed over N20 million in compensation to those affected by a billboard collapse in Aba on May 28, 2025.
This incident involved the fall of a privately owned billboard, which tragically resulted in the death of a cyclist and injuries to several tricyclists and shop owners near the Salad Market in Aba.
The compensation, which was distributed to nine individuals through the Abia State Signage and Advertising Agency (ABSAA), included N9.6 million for the widow of the deceased cyclist, N1.6 million for each of the injured tricyclists, and N500,000 for each of the affected shop owners.
During the cheque distribution ceremony at Government House, Umuahia, the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Alex Otti on Transportation, Obioma Nwaogbe, stated that the state government chose to compensate the victims despite the fact that the collapsed structure was owned by a private entity.
He elaborated that the government, in partnership with ABSAA and the billboard owners, devised a plan to assist the victims in resuming their normal business activities, including support for the widow of the deceased.
“There are about five tricycle owners, each receiving N1.6 million. Additionally, the old tricycle will be retrieved and returned to them. The two shop owners affected will each receive N500,000. Furthermore, the wife of the deceased, Chioma Destiny, will receive N8 million to help her rebuild her life or make investments,” Nwaogbe stated.
The widow, Mrs. Chioma Destiny, expressed her gratitude to Governor Alex Otti for the sum of N9.6 million, stating her intention to invest the money in a business and use it to support her children's education.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the billboard collapse?
The billboard collapse was a structural failure of a privately owned billboard located near the Salad Market in Aba, which led to tragic consequences.
How much compensation was provided to the victims?
The total compensation exceeded N20 million, with the widow of the deceased cyclist receiving N9.6 million, while other tricyclists received N1.6 million each, and affected shop owners received N500,000 each.
What did the widow plan to do with the compensation?
Mrs. Chioma Destiny expressed her intention to invest the compensation money in a business and use it to support the education of her children.
