Former Chairman, Bureau of Local Government Pensions, Dr Aminu Atabo has commiserated with the families of victims of the unfortunate tanker accident that claimed 23 lives in Lokoja on Wednesday.
In a press statement made available to newsmen in Lokoja on Thursday, Atabo reiterated his earlier call for the construction of a flyover bridge over the Felele stretch of Abuja-Lokoja-Okene highway.
The former Chairman, Omala local government council, called on government to honour the departed souls by rehabilitating bad portions on the road and construct the much needed flyover bridge.
“It is with a heavy heart that I condole with the victims and families of those that lost their lives in the unfortunate fuel tanker explosion that took place early hours of Wednesday in Lokoja. It’s indeed saddening, most unfortunate and avoidable.
“We have made a case for a flyover bridge to be constructed over the Felele stretch of the road before and again, we are calling on the state and federal governments to make this a top priority. Inter-state travellers will make use of the flyover while intra-state commuters will utilize road path under the bridge. It is imperative that this flyover is constructed without further delay.
“Apart from the incessant accidents on this ever busy Felele highway, the heavy human and vehicular traffic that always build up during work rush hours and festive periods calls for concern.
“For the souls of those that have departed to rest in perfect peace, the authorities concerned must begin moves to commence the construction of flyover bridge across the Felele stretch of the highway. I urge Governor Yahaya Bello to mount consistent pressure on the Minister of Works, Babatunde Fashola SAN on this,” he said.
He called for concerted efforts by Kogi State and Federal Government and relevant agencies of government, particularly the FRSC to identify the immediate and remote causes of the unfortunate accident and find a lasting solution to the problem.
