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The Ebonyi State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, on Tuesday, called for a ban on the movement of inflammable products on the nation’s roads during the daytime.
The Ebonyi State NSCDC commandant, Francis Nnadi, made the suggestion in Abakaliki following the incessant explosions of tankers laden with Petroleum Motor Spirit, PMS, in the country.
Nnadi expressed concern over the loss of lives following road crashes involving articulated vehicles carrying such inflammable products, adding that it was high time for authorities to take a holistic approach to address the issue.
He further called on other security agencies in the country to collaborate and end the incessant gas explosions.
He recalled the incident in Niger State where many lives were lost, as well as the recent event in Ugwu-Onyeama, Enugu State.
“Let us stop these tankers laden with inflammable materials from plying the road during the daytime when the roads are congested.
“We recommend that governments enforce this. All filling station owners, gas suppliers—if you have to move your products, let it be when the roads are less busy, especially at night.
“We have to stop these tanker drivers from operating in the daytime and call for a meeting with the association because these incidents don’t happen at night.
“My take is, let’s take a holistic approach to it by educating these tanker drivers,” he said.
At least 11 people lost their lives in a catastrophic explosion involving a petrol tanker on the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway this past Saturday. The incident has sparked discussions about road safety and the handling of hazardous materials in high-traffic areas, especially with the frequency of the occurrence.
Emergency responders rushed to the scene, but the intensity of the blaze made rescue efforts challenging. The tragedy has reignited concerns over the safety of transporting hazardous materials on Nigeria’s congested highways.
According to preliminary reports, the tanker suffered brake failure, leading to a catastrophic chain of events. The vehicle tumbled, spilling its petrol load, which then ignited and erupted into a devastating explosion.
