It is with profound sorrow and the heaviest of hearts that I address the tragic accident that occurred yesterday, 25th January 2025, at approximately 11:00 am, at the Ugwu Onyeama section of the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway. This horrific incident, which resulted in a catastrophic fire, has claimed the lives of many innocent people, leaving families and our community devastated.
My heartfelt condolences go to the bereaved families who are grappling with this unimaginable loss. I also wish those injured in this tragedy a speedy and complete recovery. This is an immensely painful moment for our state and our nation, and as your representative, I share in your grief.
I commend the courage and quick response of emergency services, security personnel, and citizens who rushed to the scene to assist in whatever way they could. Your selflessness in the face of such a grim event is truly commendable.
This heart-wrenching occurrence highlights the urgent need to prioritise road safety and improve the condition of our highways. It is a glaring reminder that our infrastructure requires immediate attention to prevent future tragedies. I therefore call on the Federal Government to urgently resolve their lingering issues with MTN to allow road construction to commence along this critical expressway. Delaying further action only increases the risk of more lives being lost unnecessarily.
As your representative, I will work tirelessly to ensure that this incident does not become just another statistic. I will push for an immediate and thorough investigation into the causes of this tragedy, and I urge the relevant authorities to act swiftly and transparently. Accountability must be established, and lessons must be learned to implement long-term solutions.
I also pledge to advocate for improved road infrastructure, stricter vehicle inspection standards, and enhanced emergency response mechanisms to prevent similar occurrences.
In this moment of sorrow, let us come together as a community to support the families who have suffered the most. Let us mourn with them, stand by them, and honour the memory of those who lost their lives by committing to creating safer roads for everyone.
May the souls of the departed find eternal rest, and may their families be comforted in this time of profound loss. Together, we will strive for a safer, more secure environment for all.
Senator Kelvin Chizoba Chukwu
Senator Representing Enugu East Senatorial Zone
Federal Republic of Nigeria
25th January 2025
