Governor Sherif Oborevwori of Delta State and State Police Commissioner CP Wale Abass have apportioned blame to the victims and the federal government following a tanker explosion at Koko junction along the Warri–Benin expressway on Sunday.
While the governor blamed the unfortunate incident on the poor state of federal roads, the state police commissioner blamed the occurrence on greed.
The governor once again called on the federal government to expedite action in reconstructing failed portions of the road, just as the police helmsman in the state advised youths to avoid scenes where there is an occurrence of oil spillages as they pose a serious threat to their lives and the lives of others.
The governor, through his Chief Press Secretary, Festus Ahon, cautioned the people against taking the risk of attempting to scoop fuel from a fallen tanker, adding that it was a time bomb waiting to explode.
He further expressed his displeasure at the inexorable perversity of Nigerians, especially the youths, stating that it is sad that we never learn from past occurrences, since this isn’t the first time such an incident has happened.
Speaking for the command, Bright Edafe, Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Delta Command, said the fire claimed the lives of five persons among the youths who had come to scoop the spilled fuel, and also combusted several properties, including the following: the fallen tanker, eight buses of different makes, two tankers, five trailers, two motorcycles, one Sienna space bus, and one ‘C’ Class Mercedes-Benz car.
He said due to the fire, the bodies of the victims were evacuated to Oghara General Hospital’s mortuary.
“In a bid to clear the road of obstructions, efforts are being made by the men of Oghara Police Division, in collaboration with the Federal Road Safety Commission {FRSC} at Ethiope West LGA to ensure the free flow of traffic.
“In the light of this tragic incident, the Delta State Police Command, CP Wale Abass, extends his condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in this unfortunate event.”
The CP also appreciated the Federal Road Safety for working hand in hand with the Command to assure convenience to all road users in Delta State.
