Former Governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, took to his X (formerly Twitter) page to talk about two devastating road accidents that occurred in Kogi and Enugu states, resulting in the loss of 35 lives. The incidents have continued to highlight the urgent need for improved road safety measures and infrastructure maintenance.
The first accident occurred on Sunday along the Okene/Lokoja bypass in Kogi State, where 19 individuals lost their lives in a horrific blaze. The victims were reportedly trapped in their vehicles and unable to escape the inferno, resulting in tragic consequences. The Kogi State Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has confirmed the incident, which has left families shattered and communities in mourning.
Just two days later, another tragedy struck along the Nsukka/Enugu Road in Enugu State, claiming the lives of 16 people. The Enugu State Police Command has corroborated the reports, indicating the severity of the accident and its devastating impact on the affected families.
While the exact cause of the accidents remains unknown, many speculate that the poor condition of the roads and prevalent insecurity may have contributed to the tragedies. Peter Obi, expressing his grief and concern, emphasized the critical need to prioritize road maintenance and safety measures to prevent such heartbreaking incidents in the future.
Obi underscored the importance of directing limited resources towards essential areas such as road repair and safety initiatives before embarking on ambitious projects like superhighways. He warned against neglecting crucial infrastructure needs, which could result in further loss of lives and increased hardship for communities across the country.
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As he condoled with the families of the deceased and the injured, Obi urged government authorities to take immediate action to address the root causes of road accidents and enhance road safety nationwide. The tragedies serve as a stark reminder of the pressing need for proactive measures to protect the lives of road users and ensure safer travel conditions for all.