In a somber statement, Peter Obi, the presidential candidate for the Labour Party in the 2023 elections, has confirmed the occurrence of two devastating road accidents in Kogi and Enugu states, resulting in the tragic loss of 35 lives.
The first incident happened on Sunday along the Okene/Lokoja bypass in Kogi state, where 19 people were burned alive. The second accident occurred on Tuesday along the Nsukka/Enugu Road in Enugu state, claiming the lives of 16 individuals.
Obi expressed his heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and the injured, while also acknowledging the confirmation of the incidents by the Enugu State Police Command and the Kogi State Federal Road Service Corps (FRSC).
While the exact causes of the accidents are yet to be determined, Obi emphasized that they are likely connected to the poor condition of the roads and the prevailing insecurity in the country. He reiterated his stance that the limited resources available should be prioritized towards the repair and maintenance of Nigeria’s internal road network, rather than focusing on ambitious highway projects that may divert funds from these essential areas.
“This is why I continue to shout out that our meager resources should be channeled at priority areas of fixing our internal roads to make them passable before going for super highway projects, which will take the chunk of the resources meant for these essential areas,” Obi stated.
The tragic incidents have once again highlighted the urgent need for the government to prioritize investments in Nigeria’s road infrastructure, ensuring the safety and well-being of its citizens. As the country grapples with the aftermath of these accidents, Obi’s call for a renewed focus on repairing and maintaining the internal road network resonates with the public’s growing concerns about road safety and the need for infrastructure development.
