Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, and State Police Commissioner, CP Wale Abass, are holding the victims and the federal government responsible for a recent tanker explosion at Koko junction along the Warri-Benin expressway.
Governor Blames Poor State of Federal Roads
Governor Oborevwori attributes the unfortunate incident to the dilapidated state of federal roads. He urges the federal government to promptly take action in reconstructing the failed sections of the road. The governor is deeply concerned about the safety of motorists and emphasizes the need for urgent repairs.
Police Commissioner Vindicates Victims, Blames Greed
On the other hand, CP Wale Abass holds a different perspective and blames the occurrence on the greed of the victims. The State Police Commissioner advises youths to stay away from areas where oil spillages occur as they pose a significant threat to their lives and the lives of others.
Furthermore, Abass calls for caution and highlights the dangers associated with attempting to extract fuel from a fallen tanker. He warns that it is like playing with a time bomb waiting to explode. The commissioner expresses his disappointment over the recurring incidents, emphasizing the lack of learning from past tragedies.
Tragedy Claims Lives and Causes Extensive Damage
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Bright Edafe, reports that the fire claimed the lives of five persons among the youths attempting to scoop the spilled fuel. The explosion also resulted in the destruction of numerous properties, including eight buses, two tankers, five trailers, two motorcycles, one Sienna space bus, and one ‘C’ Class Mercedes-Benz car.
Edafe adds that the bodies of the victims have been evacuated to Oghara General Hospital’s mortuary for identification and further procedures.
Efforts to Restore Traffic Flow and Condolences
In response to the incident, the men of Oghara Police Division, in collaboration with the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) in Ethiope West LGA, are actively working to clear the road of obstructions and ensure the free flow of traffic.
The Delta State Police Command, through CP Wale Abass, extends heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in this unfortunate event. The command also expresses appreciation to the Federal Road Safety Commission for their cooperation in addressing the situation and ensuring the convenience of all road users in Delta State.
