Ndigbo Youth Parliament Mourns Victims of Ugwuonyeama Fuel Tanker Explosion, Calls for Immediate Road Safety Measures
By Aluta News
The Ndigbo Youth Parliament (NYP) has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic fuel tanker explosion at Ugwuonyeama, Enugu State, which claimed multiple lives and left many others injured.
In a statement signed by its Speaker, Rt. Hon. Rikki Nwajiofor, the NYP extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and prayers for the speedy recovery of those injured. The group also emphasized the urgent need for immediate safety interventions on the accident-prone Ugwuonyeama Road, a critical route for commuters in Enugu State and beyond.
Highlighting the recurring safety challenges on the 9th Mile-82 Division road, the NYP called on the Enugu State Government and relevant federal agencies to implement practical safety measures while expediting the completion of the road’s dual carriageway. They urged the federal government and the Ministry of Works to resolve any outstanding agreements with MTN to ensure the remaining lane of the road is completed this year. The complete press text reads;
“Ndigbo Youth Parliament (NYP) is deeply saddened by the tragic accident that occurred at Ugwuonyeama in Enugu State, caused by the explosion of a fallen fuel tanker, resulting in the loss of lives and injuries to many. This heartbreaking incident has left the Igbo community and the entire nation in mourning, as innocent lives have been cut short and several families devastated.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost loved ones in this unfortunate accident. Our prayers are with you during this period of immense grief and sorrow. We also pray for the quick recovery of those injured and for comfort to all those affected in one way or another.
“The Ugwuonyeama Road has been a critical route for commuters in Enugu State and beyond, but it has also been plagued by recurring safety challenges that demand urgent and decisive action. This tragic incident further underscores the pressing need to address safety concerns on that 9th Mile-82 Division road to prevent avoidable accidents.
“In light of this, Ndigbo Youth Parliament is calling on the Enugu State Government and relevant federal agencies to take immediate and practical steps to ensure the safety of road users on this route. We specifically call on the federal government and federal ministry of works to settle any outstanding agreement they have with MTN to ensure that the remaining lane of that dual carriageway is timely completed this year.
“In the meantime, we urge the Enugu State government, through the Federal Road Safety Corps, to introduce tentative safety measures by:
1. Demarcating the tarred lane of the Ugwuonyeama road, with moveable concrete road barriers, to regulate and manage traffic flow effectively.
2. Diverting all the trucks and trailers to ply the non-tarred lane since their big tires can manoeuvre the potholes on that lane. We urge that the potholes be filled with stones, tentatively.
3. Mandating all trucks and trailers that wish to ply the tarred lane to do so only at nights. Making it a law that all trucks ferrying inflammable contents should ply the roads only at nights, when there is less traffic, would ensure safety.
4. Installing road safety signs and markings to guide motorists and reduce confusion on that highway, while enforcing compliance to curb reckless driving.
“These measures, though temporary, will go a long way in enhancing road safety and protecting lives while the federal government and the federal ministry of works triple their efforts to ensure that the remaining lane of that dual carriageway is tarred within the shortest time frame.
“As a body committed to the welfare and progress of Ndigbo, the Ndigbo Youth Parliament will continue to advocate for improved infrastructure and policies that safeguard the lives of our people. We also call on private sector stakeholders and other well-meaning individuals to collaborate with the government in addressing these issues promptly.
“Let this tragic incident serve as a wake-up call for all concerned authorities to prioritize road safety and take proactive steps to prevent a recurrence. The lives lost should not be in vain; we owe it to the victims and their families to ensure that such an avoidable tragedy does not happen again.
“May the souls of the departed rest in peace, and may God grant their families the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.
“God bless Ndigbo!
God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria!!”