The National Association of Seadogs aka Pyrates Confraternity, Enugu Chapter commiserate with the Enugu State Government, families and loved ones of those who tragically lost their lives and properties in the unfortunate accident along the Ugwu Onyeama axis of the Enugu – Onitsha expressway on Saturday, January 25, 2025. The gory situation of the accident shows the fragility of life, and how it can easily be snapped out in a few seconds; shattering dreams, aspirations, and plunging the society and families into uncertainty of despair and hopelessness. There’s a need to guard and guide life very preciously. We pray for the peaceful repose of the lost souls and grant their families and loved ones the fortitude to bear such irreplaceable and irreparable loss. While appreciating the Enugu State Government for promising to carter for the welfare of the injured.
However, this incident is not the first of such in the axis nor in the country. After every occurrence, we wail, we condemn, lives are lost, properties are destroyed, and we move on; waiting to repeat ourselves again. We cannot be following the same method of solutions and expect different results. It’s never possible.
As an Association, we don’t believe in mere rhetoric but practical solutions to societal challenges. We suggest the following: first, the speedy rehabilitation and reconstruction of the second lane of the road, from Akama Ngwo up to Abakpa junction. This will ensure free flow of traffic in the opposing direction, without any encumbrances. We urge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu through the Minister for Works and Infrastructure, Engr Dave Umahi to declare that axis an emergency since the Federal Government has responsibility for the road. The State Government should lobby and appeal to the contractors to get back to the site.
Second, we understand how Government bureaucracy works and also understand that our first appeal will take time to materialise, leading to our second appeal. The Enugu State House of Assembly should as a matter of urgent public importance, craft a bill that will limit the movement of heavy duty trucks, especially those transporting highly flammable liquids and substances in the State from 9pm to 6am. Due to the minimal movement of passengers at this time, when such an incident occurs, we won’t experience loss of lives in the proportion and magnitude as happened on Saturday January 25, 2025.
Third, we call on the Enugu State Police Commissioner, Commander of the 103 Battalion, Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), amongst other heads of security agencies in the State, to as a matter of urgency dismantle all barricades serving as check points in the Ugwu Onyeama axis. The topography of the axis requires that vehicular movements don’t need to be impeded at all. Those barricades not only prevent free flow of traffic, but also restrict rescue efforts in times of emergency situations.
Fourth, we call on the Federal and Enugu State Fire Service to establish a station in the Ugwu Onyeama. Our findings show there is an Enugu State Fire Service station at 9th Mile, but that’s a few kilometres away from that troubled spot. A Fire Service station will help also guard the newly set-up CNG plant in the axis.
Fifth, the State Ministry of Transport should collaborate with relevant Federal Government Agencies to set-up vehicle inspection units in the various highways in the State. According to preliminary investigation for the accident, brake failure was responsible for the carnage. The accident wouldn’t have happened had the inspection units been up and running.
Sixth, haulage owners should as a matter of urgency carry out thorough check of all their vehicles. They should also embark on refresher courses and trainings for their drivers and managers in respect for other road users. While we understand the importance of their services and appreciate it greatly, we cannot jeopardise our safety on the roads caused by their human errors.
In his statement at the scene, Governor Peter Mbah promised to do something on the immediate to avert a repeat of such an incident. We assure His Excellency of our support and partnership towards this expected action, and promise to remind him if it delays. We call on all relevant stakeholders and motorists to join this fight of making our roads safe. The incident at Ugwu Onyeama as well as those in Niger State and across the country could have been anyone. We all share in the blame as a result of our collective conspiracy of silence and inactions. The time to strategize to avert a repeat incident is now, and never again shall we experience such avoidable occurrence.
BY
Joe Mazeli
Chapter President
NAS/PC Enugu
Monday, January 27, 2025