Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has issued a strong warning to commercial transporters, stressing the dangers of carrying flammable substances in their vehicles.
His caution comes in response to the devastating accident on the Abeokuta-Sagamu Expressway, which claimed the lives of 16 passengers.
The tragic incident, which occurred near the Muhammadu Buhari Estate, involved a white Mazda bus with registration number KJA949YJ.
The vehicle was reportedly transporting a filled gas cylinder, which exploded and triggered a fire outbreak, leading to multiple casualties.
In a statement released in Abeokuta on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Media and Strategy, Hon. Kayode Akinmade, Governor Abiodun described the accident as “preventable” and emphasized the need for stricter safety regulations regarding the transportation of hazardous materials.
“This incident serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers posed by flammable substances when not handled or transported properly”.
“Drivers must understand that lives are at stake, and we cannot afford to overlook safety measures”, Abiodun said.
The governor called on the leadership of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) to intensify awareness campaigns among their members about the risks involved in conveying highly combustible materials.
“It is the responsibility of transport unions to educate their members on the hazards of carrying gas, petroleum products, and other flammable substances in commercial vehicles. Safety must always take precedence over convenience or profit,” he stated.
Expressing deep sorrow over the loss of lives, Governor Abiodun extended his condolences to the families of the victims and prayed for divine comfort in their time of grief.
“As we mourn this tragic loss, we must collectively commit to preventing such occurrences in the future. Regulatory agencies, drivers, and transport unions must work together to enforce strict safety protocols and ensure compliance with best practices,” he added.
The governor urged all stakeholders to embrace a culture of safety, stressing that the lives of passengers must remain a top priority to avert similar disasters on the state’s roads.
