Pained by the tragic tanker explosion that claimed lives along the Warri-Benin highway in the Warri North Local Council of Delta State on Sunday, Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has called for a legislation by state houses of assembly to criminalize acts of negligence and disregard for human lives.
A spark caused the explosion from a faulty vehicle, while individuals were attempting to scoop fuel that had spilled from the tanker.
Among the victims were a pregnant woman, children, and elderly individuals.
An eyewitness said the explosion occurred at about 12:15 a.m., causing panic and leading to casualties.
At the scene, burnt vehicles, including the exploded tanker, and some bodies burnt beyond recognition were visible.
Reacting, National Coordinator of the group, Emmanuel Onwubiko, lamented that Nigeria has become the most dangerous place on earth for humans to live owing to lack of good governance, poor law enforcement and criminal negligence by both businesses and government.
According to them, they failed to consider the lives of citizens as sacrosanct and inviolable.
He urged the relevant authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
He also appealed to the public to exercise caution and avoid endangering their lives by engaging in activities that could expose them to harm.
HURIWA demanded that the government and business owners who put the lives of citizens at such risks must be made to pay heavy compensation to the families of the victims and should be prosecuted for criminal negligence, which resulted in such a catastrophe.
The group urged the relevant authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
They also appealed to the public to exercise caution and avoid endangering their lives by engaging in activities that could expose them to harm.
Meanwhile, Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has sent his condolences to families of the victims.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Festus Ahon, the governor expressed sadness and described the incident as unfortunate.
He stated that it would have been avoided if the Federal Government had lived up to its responsibility of maintaining roads.
“While I mourn the deceased, I use this medium to reiterate my earlier call on the Federal Government to save the lives of our people from these harrowing experiences,” he said.
Oborevwori, once again called on the Federal Government to expedite action in reconstructing failed portions of the road.
He said that citizens of the state and commuters encounter harrowing experiences navigating the road and called on the authorities to as a matter of utmost importance and urgency fix the road to avoid further incidents.
“I also use this medium to advise our people to refrain from the dangerous act of scooping fuel from a fallen tanker because of the highly inflammable nature of the product”.
Similarly, Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has commiserated with the families of the victims.
The Governor in a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Andrew Okungbowa, expressed sadness over the unfortunate incident, noting that the loss of lives was regrettable.
He said: “We are saddened by the news of the petrol tanker explosion in Koko Junction, Delta State.
“We commiserate with the government and people of Delta State over the tragic incident. We sympathize with the families of the victims.
“Nigerians should desist from attempting to scoop petrol whenever there is an accident involving tankers. It is pertinent to consider safety first and report to appropriate authorities in such instances.”
Also, governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the March 18, 2023 in Delta State election, Olorogun Kenneth Gbagi, has commiserated with families of victims.
In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Orusi Kenneth, Gbagi described the incident as a sad development, adding that the incident was most unfortunate and regrettable.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with them in this time of pain and grief. The State and Federal Governments should not relent in putting measures in place to ensure safety of lives and property of all citizens,” Gbagi said.
The former Minister of State for Education used the medium to call on citizens to avoid scooping fuel from fallen tankers, as it is dangerous whenever such a situation occurs.
