In a heartbreaking incident, Nigerian Afrobeat singer Patoranking, born Patrick Okorie, has suffered the tragic loss of his younger sister, Chioma, and her husband, George Onuabuchi, due to a gas explosion in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State.
According to police reports, the explosion occurred on August 25 in the Waterworks area of the city, killing Chioma instantly. Her husband, George, fought for his life in the hospital but succumbed to his injuries earlier this month in September.
Joshua Ukandu, the police spokesperson in Ebonyi, confirmed the devastating incident. “It’s a tragedy that unfolded on August 25,” Ukandu said. “Our personnel responded to distress calls from nearby residents, but sadly, the couple was already severely injured when they were taken to the hospital. Chioma passed away immediately, and her husband followed a few weeks later.”
The young couple leaves behind a 3-year-old son, now orphaned by this sudden and tragic event. Family members are still reeling from the loss, describing it as a heavy blow. “They were so full of life and had a future ahead of them,” a grieving relative shared. “Now, their son will grow up without them. It’s just too painful to bear.”
The tragedy has sparked conversations about the importance of safety measures in handling gas cylinders, as explosions like these have been a growing concern across the country.
