By Usman Aliyu
Former Edo governor Godwin Obaseki on Friday expressed deep concern over the hearth incident that claimed lives in Benin on Thursday.
In a condolence message, he described the Oluku market fireplace as saddening, and referred to as for stricter enforcement of security laws and stronger emergency response mechanisms.
Obaseki stated that the incident was “tragic and avoidable”.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reviews that the incident occurred after a petroleum tanker fell, resulting in an explosion and subsequent fireplace that claimed lives and destroyed property.
The former governor lamented the recurring lack of lives, destruction of property and livelihoods in comparable disasters throughout Nigeria.
He expressed sympathy with households who misplaced family members, the injured receiving medical remedy and residents whose livelihoods had been affected by the incident.
“What makes this tragedy even more heartbreaking is that the incidents are becoming too familiar in our national experience,” he stated.
Obaseki stated that the recurrence of such disasters was elevating considerations about poverty, systemic inefficiencies, insufficient security measures and the failure to deal with identified dangers.
He urged Nigerians and related authorities to not settle for such tragedies as inevitable, however to look at current security requirements and strengthen measures to guard human lives.
“This latest disaster must stir our collective humanity and compel us, as a people and as a nation, to undertake a sober and honest examination of our systems, our safety standards, and our collective responsibility to protect human life,” he stated.
The former governor referred to as for efficient emergency response mechanisms, strict enforcement of security laws and decisive motion to deal with the underlying failures that expose individuals to preventable risks.
He stated the teachings from the Oluku incident should translate into significant motion to stop comparable occurrences.
Obaseki prayed for the repose of the souls of the deceased, a speedy restoration for the injured and energy for households affected by the tragedy.
He additionally prolonged his condolences to the victims, their households and the individuals of Edo. (NAN)
AZA
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