Gov. Dapo Abiodun has issued a strong warning to commercial vehicle operators in Ogun State, urging them to avoid transporting flammable materials to ensure passenger safety. This caution follows a tragic accident near the Muhammadu Buhari Estate on the Abeokuta-Sagamu Interchange Expressway, which claimed 16 lives.
The incident involved a white Mazda bus carrying a filled gas cylinder that exploded, causing a deadly fire outbreak. In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Strategy, Mr. Kayode Akinmade, the governor emphasized that the accident was preventable. He called for stricter regulations on handling and transporting highly flammable substances such as gas and petroleum products.
Gov. Abiodun urged transport unions, including the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), to educate their members on the dangers of transporting hazardous materials. He highlighted the need for commercial drivers to prioritize safety and responsibility on the roads.
Emphasizing community vigilance, he stressed that compliance with safety regulations is crucial to preventing such tragedies. He called on all stakeholders, including drivers, unions, and regulatory bodies, to collaborate in ensuring that such incidents do not recur. Passenger safety, he noted, must always come first.
The governor expressed his condolences to the families of the victims, offering prayers for their comfort and strength during this difficult time. He reaffirmed his commitment to enforcing road safety measures to prevent future occurrences of similar accidents.
