BY ISAN ISIOMA
THE Senator representing Delta North Senatorial district, Senator Ned Munir Nwoko, has expressed sadness over the loss of lives and properties by families, businesses, and individuals during Sunday’s devastating petrol tanker explosion in Agbor, headquarters of Ika South Local Government Area of Delta State.
Recall that the tragic incident, which occurred last Sunday along the Old Asaba-Lagos road, resulted in the death of five persons and destruction of several buildings, including an Anglican Church, extensive damage to several vehicles and business premises, including First Bank and Access Bank branches in the area.
Speaking on the incident, Senator Nwoko described the loss of lives and livelihoods as a heavy blow to the economy of the area. “Iam deeply saddened by this tragedy visited upon families and businesses. My thoughts are with all those affected by this unfortunate disaster”, he said.
He then reiterated the urgent need for stricter regulations to govern the movement of heavy-duty vehicles, particularly those transporting hazardous materials during the day and other concerted efforts to prevent such occurrences in the future.
Recall that in May 2024, Senator Nwoko proposed a motion at the Senate titled, “Compelling Need to Enforce Nationwide Ban on Movement of Heavy- Duty Vehicles in Daytime.” He had urged the Federal Ministry of Transportation to collaborate with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to enforce a nationwide ban on the daytime movement of heavy-duty vehicles. He proposed that such vehicles should only operate between the hours of 12 midnights and 6am to reduce the risks of accidents during peak traffic hours.
The Senator also urged the Federal Ministries of Works and Housing and the FRSC to work together to establish service stations near high-traffic border towns. These service stations, he explained, “would serve as resting areas for tankers and heavy-duty vehicles before they embark on their journeys at midnight, minimizing congestion and the potential for accidents.
