A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kogi state, Elder Benjamin Olowodola has expressed sadness over the death of over 20 people on Wednesday following a tanker explosion in Felele axis of Lokoja.
Olowodola while describing the incident as a national carnage observed that it is a collective loss to humanity.
The APC leader, in a statement issued on Thursday, said he is deeply touched and saddened that such number of casualty was recorded especially at a time when the people are still reeling under the devastating economic effects of COVID-19 pandemic.
“My heart goes to families of the victims of the catastrophic fire accident which claimed scores of lives in Lokoja on Wednesday. It is a loss not only to the family and friends of the victims but the entirety of human race.
“I commiserate with the government of Kogi State under the leadership of His Excellency, Alh Yahaya Bello and indeed the good people of the state.
“It is depressing and indeed disheartening that at a time when the government in our state has consistently demonstrated commitment to better the lives of the people through several social intervention schemes, especially in attempt to cushion the economic effects of the deadly COVID-19, this kind of disaster could befall the people.
“Suffice to say that no amount of words could douse the grief that has enveloped the hearts of those whose loved ones are lying cold resulting from the sad incident. However we can only anchor our hopes on the fact that our ultimate Healer will bring succour to their hearts.
“We mourn that precious lives have been brutally cut short. We mourn that dreams have ended in the sands of the earth. We mourn that aspirations have evaporated with the smoke of dastardly fuel fire. We mourn that the victims have been permanently wiped off the mother earth. We pray that the Almighty Creator accepts their souls” he said.
Elder Olowodola also expressed optimism that Governor Yahaya Bello will identify with the families of the victims to further douse the pains in their hearts.
He also advised that it is not a time to score political points in the grave of the victims, calling on all Kogites to show respect to victims of the accident.
In the same vein, a former lawmaker from Ankpa state constituency, Hon Atayi Aminu Haruna has condoled with victims of the tanker explosion.
In a statement issued by his chief press secretary, Uyo Abdulrahman, in Abuja today, Haruna described the accident as unfortunate and heartbreaking, especially when lives of innocent children were involved.
He said the accident would have been an avoided if the expansion of the Abuja-Lokoja expressway had been completed on time.
According to him, “it is heartbreaking that these young and vibrant youths, including innocent children whom their destinies would have bettered the lot of our nation in future, have been forcefully exited from life. The painful way in which they left the world is very disheartening.
“Many accidents are preventable if proper proactive and precautionary measures are put in place or properly observed as routine policies.”
The former lawmaker called on President Muhammadu Buhari, Governor Yahaya Bello, and relevant government and security agencies to sit up and enforce safety standards with more seriousness.
