Yahaya Bello, Governor of Kogi State has blamed Wednesday’s fatal tanker explosion at the axis of Okene/Lokoja/Abuja Road on the deplorable condition of all federal roads across the state.
Bello in a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo said the total neglect of the road by the President Muhammadu Buhari-led government has made life unbearable for motorists and commuters plying the road.
No fewer than 25 persons, including five students of the state-owned polytechnic, three nursery school pupils and passersby were burnt beyond recognition in the resulting explosion from an auto crash.
The crash, which was said to have been caused by brake failure in the fuel- laden tanker involved five cars, two motorcycles and three tricycles, all of which went up in flames in the ensuing inferno.
Governor Bello, However, called on the relevant Federal Government agencies to provide relief materials to support what the State Government shall be providing to the relatives of the victims.
The statement reads: “The government of Kogi State has declared a two-day state mourning in honor of the victims of the Felele tanker accident on Wednesday 23rd September, 2020.
“The governor and the government of Kogi State are saddened by the unfortunate incident that claimed many lives in the early hours (of Wednesday).
“The primary responsibility of government is to ensure the safety and well-being of the Kogi people. As a result of the importance placed on the lives of our people, government has declared a two-day state mourning to honor the departed souls.
“In this time of grief, we urge the people to be deep in sober reflection and stand together for one another to pull out of the agonizing loss.
“Government wishes to reiterate her call on road users to act responsibly in order to avert unfortunate situations that simple care and caution could have averted.
“Full investigations will also be carried out to determine the causes of the painful incident.
“The Kogi State government wishes to assure families that lost loved ones and those whose houses were affected of support at this trying moment. We also call on relevant Federal Government agencies to provide relief materials to support what the state government shall be providing.
“Our hearts are with the affected families. May the souls of the departed rest in peace.”
(C) Control TV 2020.
