Enugu Tanker Explosion: Atiku, Peter Obi mourn victims, call for probe
Former presidential candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party, Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, have expressed their condolences to the victims of the Enugu tanker explosion.
According to reports, a petrol tanker overturned at Ugwu Onyeama in Enugu North, Enugu State, on Saturday, resulting in the tragic deaths of about 15 people.
The incident occurred just a week after nearly 100 people lost their lives while attempting to scoop fuel from a fallen petrol tanker at Ditto Junction in Suleja, Niger State.
In his condolence message on Saturday, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar called for an investigation into the recurring tanker accidents.
“Oh dear, not again! My thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of all the victims in the fuel tanker explosion in Enugu state. May their souls find eternal rest. The incidents of tragic tanker explosions have reached emergency levels. It is time for the government to establish an inquiry into this issue,” he said.
Also in his statement on Saturday, former Governor Obi urged the government to prioritize security of lives and property by implementing measures that would mitigate the tragic incident.
“Exactly one week after a petrol tanker explosion in Niger State killed nearly a hundred persons and injured many, another explosion has just been reported in Enugu leaving 15 persons dead.
“The frequency of occurrence of these tragic incidents is very concerning. This month alone, there have been at least 3 of such devastating accidents, across the country, resulting in the loss of precious lives and properties.
“We must begin to truly prioritise the safety and security of lives and property by implementing measures that drastically mitigate the occurrence of these accidents, which have now become too many.
“We need to focus on fixing our existing roads, implementing strict road safety measures and educating our people on observing the right protocols around accident scenes,” he said.
The former governor of Anambra State prayed for fortitude to families of victims to bear their loss.
“My heart goes out to the families who are devastated by the loss of their loved ones to this terrible accident.
“I also sympathize with the government and people of Enugu State over this tragic occurrence. May God grant eternal rest to the dead and grant quick healing to the injured. May God grant us the fortitude to bear such irreplaceable loss,” he added.
