South-East senators mourn victims of Enugu tanker explosion
The several fatalities caused by a downed petrol tanker in Ugwu Onyema, Enugu, on Sunday were met with shock and sadness by the South East Senate Caucus.
This came as Ben Kalu, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, called on the federal government to act quickly to improve the terrible condition of South East highways, particularly the 9th Mile Motorway, install safety measures and inform the public in order to help stop future tragedies of this kind.
Sen. Enyinnaya Abaribe, the leader of the South East Senate Caucus, said in a statement released on Sunday that "the unfortunate incident has become one too many." He added that "it is disheartening that Nigerians were being literally roasted on the roads as a result of avoidable accidents" and urged the appropriate authorities to deploy immediately to nip future occurrences in the bud. The South East Senate Caucus also expressed sadness over a similar incident that occurred in Niger State last weekend.
He expressed the caucus's pain at the fact that innocent people, especially drivers, are now routinely involved in accidents caused by traffic managers' complete disregard for the country's highways, saying, "It's sad and very regrettable that we will lose many of our people, whose total number is yet to be ascertained barely a week after a similar incident in Niger State, which pain and shock Nigeria is yet to recover from.
“It is high time the traffic managers step up their game. The frequency of these accidents now constitutes a total embarrassment to the country. We can’t continue losing our people this way.”
Similarly, Sen. Orji Uzor Kalu, representing Abia North Senatorial District, expressed his sadness over the incident.
In a statement released on Sunday, Kalu, who is a former governor of Abia State, extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims, offering prayers for the souls of the deceased and wishing a speedy recovery to those receiving medical attention.
Kalu also condoled the Government of Enugu State led by Gov. Peter Mbah. He commended the swift response of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), and other relevant authorities for their efforts in managing the disaster.
He also emphasised the need for road users, particularly fuel tanker operators, to exercise caution and adhere to safety regulations to prevent such occurrences in the future.
"The families impacted by this tragic event and the Government of Enugu State, led by Governor Peter Mbah, have our deepest sympathies and prayers on behalf of the people of Abia North Senatorial District."
In order to protect lives and property nationwide, Kalu urged for increased enforcement of road safety regulations while advising all drivers to "prioritise safety to avoid such devastating accidents."
In a statement released by Udora Orizu, his SA Press Affairs, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, also lamented the incident and expressed his profound sadness. He also offered condolences to the families of the victims, the government, and the people of Enugu State,praying to God to grant them the fortitude to bear the loss.
He also recalled the incident which recently happened in Niger State, urging the Federal Government to urgently direct relevant authorities to complete the rehabilitation of the road and others to forestall further occurrences.
The Deputy Speaker also stressed the need for relevant authorities to provide safety measures and educate citizens to prevent such tragedies in the future and urged the relevant government agencies to provide relief materials to the bereaved, adding that the National Assembly will continue to support the Federal Government through budgetary allocation and legislative instruments.
“I’m deeply saddened by the news of the fuel tanker explosion in Enugu State yesterday which caused the death of several people, with many also injured. This horrific incident happened just days after another tanker exploded in Niger State with over 80 people killed. I am deeply concerned, it’s been one death too many. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families as well as the government and the people of Enugu State.
“I also want to use this opportunity to urge the Federal Government to take immediate action in addressing the deplorable state of our roads, especially the 9th Mile Expressway, provide safety measures, and educate citizens to help prevent such tragedies in the future. It’s our responsibility to act now and protect ourselves.”
