FAST DOWNLOAD
Kalu, Humanitarian Minister mourn victims of Enugu tanker explosion
The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, and the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, on Sunday expressed deep sorrow over the fuel tanker explosion in Enugu State, which claimed several lives and left many others injured.
The tragic incident occurred on Saturday along the 9th Mile 82 Division Expressway, Ugwuonyeama section, when a truck loaded with Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), also known as petrol, reportedly collided with several vehicles and erupted in flames, resulting in fatalities.
In a statement, the Deputy Speaker extended his condolences to the victims’ families, as well as the government and people of Enugu State, praying for God’s strength to help them bear their loss.
He lamented the recurrence of such tragedies, recalling a similar incident in Niger State and urging the federal government to swiftly direct relevant authorities to complete road rehabilitation projects to prevent further occurrences.
Hon. Kalu also emphasized the need for relevant agencies to implement safety measures and educate citizens on accident prevention.
Wishing the injured a speedy recovery, he called on government agencies to provide relief materials to the bereaved, assuring that the National Assembly would continue supporting the Federal Government through budgetary allocations and legislative measures.
He stated:
“I am deeply saddened by the fuel tanker explosion in Enugu State, which claimed several lives and left many injured. This tragic incident comes just days after another tanker explosion in Niger State, where over 80 people lost their lives.
“These continuous tragedies are deeply concerning. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, as well as to the government and people of Enugu State.
“I urge the Federal Government to take immediate action to address the deplorable condition of our roads, especially the 9th Mile Expressway, while also implementing safety measures and public education campaigns to prevent such tragedies. We must act now to protect lives.”
Similarly, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, expressed grief over the incident, which occurred on Saturday, January 25, 2025, in Ugwu Onyeama LGA of Enugu State.
Commiserating with the bereaved families and the injured, he stated:
“I extend my heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their loved ones and to those injured. My thoughts and prayers are with you, and I pray for the peaceful repose of the departed souls and a swift recovery for the injured.”
He commended the swift response of security agencies, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), and other relevant authorities who assisted at the accident scene.
The Minister stressed the urgent need for intensive public sensitization campaigns to raise awareness about the dangers of petroleum product scooping at accident scenes. He also called for prompt emergency response by relevant agencies, regular vehicle maintenance, and strict adherence to road safety regulations by drivers.
