Enugu

By Sabiu Abdullahi

President Bola Tinubu has instructed the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and other traffic enforcement agencies to implement measures aimed at preventing the frequent petrol tanker explosions occurring across Nigeria.

This directive, delivered in a statement on Sunday by his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, comes amidst a worrying rise in such incidents, which have led to significant loss of life and property.

“The president calls for caution and adherence to safety measures among road users, particularly fuel tanker operators,” the statement reads.

“Furthermore, he directs agencies in charge of enforcing traffic rules to implement measures to prevent recurring petrol tanker explosions nationwide,” it added.

The president expressed condolences to the families of victims and prayed for the souls of the deceased, while also wishing a speedy recovery to those injured in the explosions.

Recent incidents underscore the urgency of the president’s directive.

On Saturday, a tanker explosion at the Ugwu Onyeama section of the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway claimed 18 lives, according to FRSC reports.

Just a week prior, another explosion in Niger State’s Gurara Local Government Area resulted in over 70 fatalities.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A petrol tanker accident occurred early Saturday morning on the Ugwu Onyama Federal Highway in Enugu State, resulting in the loss of numerous lives and injuring several others.

The incident also destroyed multiple vehicles and comes just a week after a similar tragedy in Niger State claimed at least 98 lives.

Eyewitnesses described the harrowing scenes at the site, with a tanker driver, Eziechina, recounting the catastrophic events.

“A tanker carrying premium motor spirit (PMS), otherwise known as petrol, fell at the hilly road and spilled the product down the road.

“Unfortunately, it caught fire, and all the vehicles plying the road at the time caught fire and burned people beyond recognition.”

According to Eziechina, over 10 people, including children, were burnt beyond recognition, with many others transported to nearby hospitals for treatment.

Rescue operations are ongoing, and authorities are yet to release an official death toll from the Enugu explosion.

By Uzair Adam Imam

Enugu State Police have apprehended two male kidnapping suspects allegedly involved in the abduction of a heavily pregnant woman along Eke-Egede Road in Udi LGA.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Kanayo Uzuegbu, has ordered a manhunt for other members of the gang.

The victim’s husband, Mr. Ekene Igwe, praised the Enugu State government for swiftly intervening and covering medical expenses.

The woman, Chinwendu Igwe, gave birth to a baby boy after being rescued and is now in good condition.

Preliminary investigations revealed that Chinwendu embarked on the journey alone with her two children from Lagos to her paternal home, where she was abducted.

The CP dismissed misinformation regarding the incident and urged media accuracy. Mr. Igwe thanked Governor Peter Mbah for the government’s support.