The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has expressed profound sorrow over the tragic fuel tanker explosion that claimed several lives and left many injured in Enugu State. The devastating incident occurred on Saturday along the 9th Mile 82 Division Expressway, Ugwuonyeama section, when a truck loaded with Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) collided with other vehicles and erupted into flames.
In a heartfelt statement, Kalu extended condolences to the families of the victims, the government, and the people of Enugu State. He prayed for strength for the bereaved and a swift recovery for the injured. The Deputy Speaker also urged the federal government to expedite the rehabilitation of the 9th Mile Expressway and similar roads across the country to prevent further tragedies.
Recalling a similar incident in Niger State just days earlier, which claimed over 80 lives, Kalu lamented the frequency of such avoidable disasters. He emphasized the urgent need for government authorities to implement safety measures, raise public awareness, and provide relief to the affected families.
“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,” Kalu said. “This horrific incident happened just days after another tanker exploded in Niger State, with over 80 people killed. It’s one death too many.”
The Deputy Speaker reassured the public of the National Assembly’s commitment to supporting the federal government through budgetary allocations and legislative actions to enhance road safety and infrastructure.
Kalu concluded by calling for immediate action, saying, “It’s our responsibility to act now and protect ourselves. Let’s ensure that such tragedies become a thing of the past.”
The Deputy Speaker’s plea echoes a growing call for improved infrastructure, safety awareness, and swift government intervention to prevent similar disasters in the future.
AT REPORTER
