Buhari Reacts To Onitsha Fire Outbreak

President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday expressed sadness over the death of a mother and her child in the tanker accident at Onitsha, Anambra State.

Buhari called on the Ministry of Transport under the leadership of Rotimi Amaechi, the Federal Road Safety Commission and other stakeholders to ensure safety standards are adhered to on Nigerian roads.

Recall that a truck loaded with petroleum product had exploded at Upper Iweka, Onitsha in Anambra State.

The truck was said to have lost control and rammed into the wall of the popular Toronto Hospital at Upper-Iweka before exploding.

The State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Haruna Mohammed confirmed the incident.

Reacting to the incident, a statement by Buhari’s Media Aide, Garba Shehu quoted the president as saying: “I am profoundly touched by the sight of the charred remains of an innocent mother and her child who are victims of this tragedy.

“I also extend my sympathies to other victims of the explosion whose houses, shops and other property were destroyed in the mishap.”

The President explained that “while I express sadness over this tragedy, I must at the same time call for urgent action on the part of those concerned to stem these frequent fatal disasters on public roads.”

Buhari added, “safety precautions and routine maintenance are taken for granted by vehicle owners.”

“I call on the Ministry of Transport, the Federal Road Safety Commission and other stakeholders to urgently address the issue of safety standards in the country, with a view to stemming the embarrassing frequency of these tragedies