The Senator representing the Delta North Senatorial District, Senator Ned Munir Nwoko, has conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the families, businesses, and communities affected by the catastrophic petrol tanker explosion in Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area, Delta State.
The tragic incident, which occurred on Sunday along the Old Asaba-Lagos road, claimed five lives, destroyed several buildings—including an Anglican Church—and caused extensive damage to vehicles and businesses, including First Bank and Access Bank.
Reacting to the disaster, Senator Nwoko described the loss of lives and livelihoods as a profound tragedy for the people of Delta North. “This is a heartbreaking event that has left families grieving and businesses in ruins. My thoughts and prayers are with everyone impacted by this unfortunate disaster,” he stated.
Senator Nwoko reiterated the urgent need for stringent regulations on the movement of heavy-duty vehicles, particularly those transporting hazardous materials, to prevent future tragedies.
In May 2024, he had tabled a motion titled, “Compelling Need to Enforce Nationwide Ban on Movement of Heavy-Duty Vehicles in Daytime,” urging swift government action.
The Senator called on the Federal Ministry of Transportation and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to implement a nationwide restriction on the daytime movement of heavy-duty vehicles. He proposed that these vehicles should operate only between 12 midnight and 6 am to mitigate the risks of accidents during peak traffic hours.
Senator Nwoko also emphasized the importance of establishing service stations near high-traffic border towns. These facilities, he explained, would act as designated rest stops for tankers and heavy-duty vehicles before their midnight journeys, thereby reducing congestion and accident risks.
