By Joseph Erunke, Abuja

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has urged the federal government to take immediate action to address the deteriorating state of roads across the country, with particular attention to the 9th Mile Expressway in the South East.

In reaction to Saturday’s tragic fuel tanker explosion in Enugu State, Kalu, through his Special Assistant on Press Affairs, Udora Orizu, expressed deep sorrow over the incident, which led to the deaths of several people and left many others injured. He also called on the government to implement safety measures and to educate citizens to help prevent such tragedies in the future.

Kalu said, “It’s our responsibility to act now and protect ourselves,” as he mourned the lives lost in the explosion. The incident occurred on the 9th Mile 82 Division Expressway, Ugwuonyeama section, when a truck loaded with Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) collided with other vehicles and erupted in flames.

The Deputy Speaker extended his condolences to the families of the victims and the people and government of Enugu State, praying for the strength to bear the loss. He also recalled a similar incident in Niger State and urged the federal government to prioritize the completion of the rehabilitation of the road network to prevent further occurrences.

Additionally, Kalu stressed the need for the relevant authorities to implement safety measures and educate citizens on ways to avoid such tragedies. He wished a quick recovery to the injured and called on the relevant government agencies to provide relief materials to the bereaved families. He also assured that the National Assembly would continue to support the federal government through budgetary allocations and legislative measures.

Kalu said, “I’m deeply saddened by the news of the fuel tanker explosion in Enugu State, which claimed the lives of several people and left many others injured. This tragic incident follows another tanker explosion in Niger State that resulted in over 80 deaths. I’m deeply concerned; it’s been one death too many. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and the government and people of Enugu State.

“I also want to take this opportunity to urge the Federal Government to take immediate action to address the deplorable state of our roads, especially the 9th Mile Expressway, and to implement safety measures while educating citizens to help prevent such tragedies in the future. It is our responsibility to act now and protect ourselves.”