Cross River State
governor, Senator Ben Ayade has expressed regret and sadness over the tragic
death of some persons in an explosion from a fuel laden tanker at New Netim
junction, on the outskirts of Calabar.
Governor Ayade who said he was devastated by the tragedy,
described the incident as not only gripping but mind numbing. He said it was a tragedy that should not have occurred
in the first place.
Reacting in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on
Media and Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Christian Ita, Ayade said: “My heart
goes out to all the victims of the fuel tanker explosion. This is the most
horrendous way to die. I am too shocked and traumatized to express the depth of
my grief for the victims of the explosion.”
According to the Governor, “As a government, we must try
and reach out to the victims’ families who are affected by these avoidable
deaths. Whatever circumstances that led to this unfortunate incident must be
thoroughly investigated. This is one tragedy too many. We must do something to
ensure this does not happen again.”
While pleading with Cross Riverians not to subject themselves
to such cheap and avoidable deaths, Ayade urged the state Ministry of
Information and Orientation to immediately begin a sensitization campaign to
educate the citizens on the dangers of scooping fuel from fallen tankers laden
with fuel.