In the aftermath of a tanker explosion at Koko junction along the Warri–Benin expressway, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State and State Police Commissioner CP Wale Abass have assigned blame to the victims and the federal government.
Governor Oborevwori attributed the incident to the poor condition of federal roads, while Commissioner Abass pointed to greed as a contributing factor.
Governor Oborevwori reiterated his call for the federal government to take urgent action in reconstructing the failed sections of the road. Meanwhile, the state police commissioner advised youths to avoid areas where oil spillages occur, emphasizing the serious threat they pose to lives. The governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Festus Ahon, warned against the risks of attempting to scoop fuel from a fallen tanker, describing it as a time bomb waiting to explode.
Expressing his disappointment with the persistent recklessness of Nigerians, especially the youth, Governor Oborevwori highlighted the failure to learn from past incidents, as this is not the first time such an explosion has occurred.
According to Bright Edafe, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for the Delta Command, the fire claimed the lives of five individuals who had come to collect spilled fuel, and resulted in the destruction of several properties including the tanker itself, eight buses, two tankers, five trailers, two motorcycles, one Sienna space bus, and one ‘C’ Class Mercedes-Benz car. The bodies of the victims were evacuated to the mortuary at Oghara General Hospital.
Efforts are underway by the Oghara Police Division and the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) in Ethiope West LGA to clear the road and ensure the smooth flow of traffic.
The Delta State Police Command, represented by CP Wale Abass, extends condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the tragic incident. The CP also appreciates the collaboration with the Federal Road Safety Commission in ensuring the convenience and safety of all road users in Delta State.
