Enugu tanker explosion: Deputy Speaker sympathises with victims, urges road rehabilitation

Abdullateef Fowewe

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has called on relevant agencies of government to prioritise the safety of lives in the event of accidents.

He made the statement after the Saturday’s tanker explosion in Enugu which led to the death of about 18 persons and injuries to several people in Enugu State.

The miserable incident reportedly occurred last Saturday, on the 9th Mile 82 Division Expressway, Ugwuonyeama section, when a tanker conveying petrol collided with some vehicles and erupted in flames, killing about 18 persons.

However, Kalu in a statement on Sunday by his special assistant, Print Affairs, Udora Orizu, sympathised with the families of the victims as well as the government and people of Enugu State, praying to God to grant them the fortitude to bear the loss.

He sadly recalled a similar incident that 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.

He said, “I’m deeply saddened by the news of a fuel tanker explosion in Enugu State yesterday (Saturday) that 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’m deeply concerned that this is one death too many. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families as well as the government and the people of Enugu State.”

The Deputy Speaker further stressed the need for relevant authorities to provide safety measures and educate citizens to prevent such tragedies in the future.

Wishing the injured a quick recovery, Kalu also 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 also want to use this opportunity to urge the Federal Government to take immediate action of 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,” he added.