Written by Hendrix Oliomogbe
Worried by the high cases of fuel tanker explosions in the country, a frontline All Progressives Congress (APC) aspirant for the Edo Central Senatorial District, Mr. Glory Oziegbe Momodu has called for enhanced security measures to prevent similar occurrences.
Oziegbe sympathized with the families of the recent victims of the fuel tanker explosion that occurred in Niger State, which resulted in the death of over 86 persons.
The aspirant recalled that the oil rich but impoverished Niger Delta region of the country had had its bad share of such monumental disasters, noting that it was time preventive strategies are put in place to stop what he described as “avoidable and reckless loss of lives in the country”.
A bye election for the vacant senatorial seat was announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) following the victory of incumbent Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo of the APC in the September 21 election.
The aspirant said that beyond the tears, measures must be put in place to monitor the roadworthiness of fuel-laden tankers.
Momodu advocated for petrol tankers to undergo regular inspections and be equipped with functional safety mechanisms to prevent leaks and fires before they are allowed to operate on the highways.
He said: “Such maintenance standards must be strictly enforced without compromise before vehicles carrying highly inflammable substances like petroleum products are allowed to operate on our roads”, he said.
The politician advised that attention should be paid to tanker drivers, insisting that they must undergo specialised training and be equipped with emergency response procedures to minimise risks during accidents.
The senatorial aspirant further 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 erected emergency response infrastructures. 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.”
