By Joy Yesufu
The Ohanaeze Youth Council (OYC), the youth wing of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, has expressed profound sorrow over the tragic fuel tanker explosion that claimed several lives on Saturday morning at Ugwu Onyeama, in Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State.
The incident, which reportedly killed scores, including women and children, has been attributed to the deplorable state of the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway.
In a statement issued by its National President, Comrade Igboayaka O. Igboayaka, the OYC condemned the lack of proper infrastructure and safety measures in the region, which it identified as the root cause of the tragedy.
The council called on President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, to expedite the completion of the second lane of the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway, particularly around the 9th Mile axis.
The youth organization also urged South-East governors to enact an executive order banning the movement of heavy-duty vehicles during the day, citing the narrow roads and high traffic volume as key contributors to such disaste.
“This incident is not an isolated one. The Enugu-Onitsha Expressway has been a deathtrap for years, claiming countless lives due to government negligence and poor infrastructure,” Igboayaka stated. He added that the OYC would continue to push for urgent improvements in road construction, transportation, and public safety measures across Igbo land.
Igboayaka also criticized the previous administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, accusing it of failing to address the infrastructural decay in the South-East region. “
“We cannot continue to lose innocent lives due to the negligence and incompetence of our leaders,” he lamented.
The OYC called on the Federal Government to prioritize the development of Igbo land, particularly in addressing decayed infrastructure and creating a conducive environment for socio-economic growth.
The council urged the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and other relevant bodies to provide immediate relief and assistance to victims’ families.
It also reiterated its demand for an executive order restricting the movement of heavy-duty vehicles during the day, emphasizing the need for immediate action to prevent future tragedies. “The narrow roads in the South-East cannot accommodate the indiscriminate movement of heavy-duty trucks during peak hours, making such bans necessary for public safety,” the statement said.
As the region mourns this tragic loss, the Ohanaeze Youth Council reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for the rights and welfare of Igbo youths. It vowed to continue championing issues such as infrastructure development, education, economic empowerment, and security. “The OYC remains resolute in ensuring that the government takes urgent and lasting measures to protect our people,” Igboayaka concluded.
