From Our Correspondent
All Progressives Congress, APC, aspirant for Edo Central Senatorial District, Glory Momodu has mourned victims of the fuel tanker explosion that occurred in Niger State.
Momodu, while sympathising with the bereaved families, described the incident as a monumental disaster and called for enhanced security measures to prevent similar occurrence in the future.
Momodu recalled that the Niger Delta had had its share of such disasters, but said it is time to stop what he described as “avoidable and reckless loss of lives in the country”.
The aspirant, who is seeking the ticket of the APC to fill the vacant seat of Governor, Monday Okpebholo at the Senate said beyond the tears, measures must be put in place to monitor the roadworthiness of fuel-laden tankers.
He said tankers must undergo regular inspection and equipped with functional safety mechanisms to prevent leaks and fires before they are allowed to operate on the highways.
“Such maintenance standard must be strictly enforced without compromise before vehicles carrying highly inflammable substances like petroleum products are allowed to operate on our roads”, he said.
Momodu also said that attention must be paid to tanker drivers, insisting that they must undergo specialised trainings and equipped with emergency response procedures to minimise risks during accidents.
The senatorial aspirant called for the establishment of specific routes for fuel tankers in collaboration with transport agencies to stop such vehicles from plying densely populated areas.
He said: “It is also high time we erecte emergency response infrastructure. This can be done by equipping communities with fire stations and emergency response teams near major highways to address accidents swiftly”.
Momodu noted that there should be regular public awareness campaigns to educate citizens on safe practices around fuel transport vehicles and the dangers of trying to scoop fuel from a fallen tanker.
He said: “This tragic event reminds us of the urgent need to prioritise safety in our communities. Together, we can build a nation where such preventable tragedies are minimised”.
