The youth wing of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has expressed sadness over the fuel tanker incident that occurred on Saturday morning at Ugwu Onyeama, in Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State.
During the incident, scores were reportedly burnt to death, including women and children.
The council blamed the incident on a failed government, citing the lack of proper infrastructure and safety measures on the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway.
In a statement issued on Saturday by the National President, Comrade Igboayaka O. Igboayaka, the OYC called on President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, to expedite the completion of the second lane of the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway at the 9th Mile axis.
The council also urged the governors of the South-East zone to sign an executive order banning the movement of heavy-duty vehicles during the day, citing the narrow roads in the region as a major contributing factor to these tragic incidents.
The statement read: “This incident is not an isolated one, as there have been previous accidents on the same expressway.
“The Ohanaeze Youth Council (OYC) has vowed to continue advocating for better infrastructure in Ala Igbo, particularly in the areas of road construction, transportation, and public utilities.
“We demand that the government prioritizes the development of Igbo land, addresses the decayed infrastructure, and provides a conducive environment for the people of Ala Igbo to thrive.
“As the apex youth organization of Igbo youths, the Ohanaeze Youth Council has been at the forefront of advocating for the rights and interests of Igbo youths.
“The council has been vocal on issues affecting the Igbo people, including infrastructure development, education, economic empowerment, and insecurity ignited by President Mohammadu Buhari’s failed federal government.
“We cannot continue to lose innocent lives due to the negligence and incompetence of our leaders,” Igboayaka said. “We demand that the government takes immediate action to address the infrastructure challenges in Igbo land and ensure that such incidents do not occur again in the future.”
The council urged the governors of Ala Igbo to sign an executive order banning the movement of heavy-duty vehicles during the day, citing the narrow roads in the region as a major contributing factor to these tragic incidents.
They also called on the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and other relevant agencies to provide immediate assistance to the families of the victims and those affected by the incident.
“As the nation mourns the loss of innocent lives, the Ohanaeze Youth Council has reiterated its commitment to advocating for the rights and interests of Igbo youths and ensuring that such tragic incidents do not occur again in the future.”