By Tony Adibe
The National Association of Seadogs otherwise known as Pyrates Confraternity, Enugu Chapter has commiserated with the Enugu State Government, families and loved ones of those who died in the road accident along the Ugwu Onyeama axis of the Enugu-Onitsha expressway.
In a statement issued by the Chapter President NAS/PC Enugu, Joe Mazeli, on Monday, the Pyrates Confraternity, while pledging to partner with the Enugu State Governor on ways to tackle the frequent fatal auto crashes within the Ugwu Onyeama axis, outlined six-point measures to prevent such unfortunate occurrences in the future.
NewsBits recalls that not less than 18 people died in a fuel tanker explosion at Ugwu Onyeama, Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State, on Saturday, January 25, 2025.The explosion occurred around 11:30 AM when a fuel-laden tanker exploded while navigating the busy expressway.
Witnesses described the blast as devastating as it destroyed nearby vehicles and caused widespread panic. Rescue efforts were hindered by the intensity of the fire, making it difficult for bystanders to access the scene. Victims who were reportedly burnt beyond recognition are believed to be occupants of the vehicles caught in the inferno.
But reacting to the incident, Mazeli recalled that Governor Peter Mbah, during his visit to the scene of the accident, had promised to do something immediately to avert a repeat of such a regrettable incident. “We assure the Governor of our support and partnership towards this expected action, and promise to remind him if the solution delays,” Mazeli said.
The Pyrates Confraternity, however, urged President Bola Tinubu, through the minister of works, Engr. David Umahi, to henceforth, declare the Ugwu-Onyeama axis of the Onitsha-Enugu Expressway as emergency situation since the federal government has the responsibility of fixing the road.
“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,” said Mazeli, who added: “The State Government should lobby and appeal to the contractors to get back to the site.”
The Seadogs also appealed to the Enugu State House of Assembly to, 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.”
He said: “Due to the minimal movement of passengers at this time, when such sad incidents occur, we won’t experience loss of lives in the same proportion and magnitude as recorded on Saturday, January 25, 2025.”
Mazeli called upon 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 checkpoints 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,” he said.
The Pyrates Confraternity further appealed to the Federal and Enugu State Fire Service to establish a station in the Ugwu Onyeama axis. “Our findings show there is an Enugu State Fire Service station at 9th Mile, but that’s a few kilometres away from that trouble spot. A Fire Service station will also help to guard the newly set up CNG plant in the axis,” they said.
The Seadogs also asked the State Ministry of Transport to 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 Seadogs stated. They explained that the probability of the accident could have been highly reduced if such inspection units were functional.
On the sixth point, Mazeli said that haulage owners should as a matter of urgency carry out thorough checks of all their vehicles. “They should also embark on refresher courses and training for their drivers and managers in respect of other road users. While we understand the importance of their services and appreciate it greatly, we cannot jeopardise our safety on the roads occasioned by their human errors,” the Pyrates Confraternity emphasised. l 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 tacit neglect. It is exactly time to strategize in order to avert further recurrences of this painful event so that never again shall we experience such avoidable carnage,” Mazeli said.
