The National Association of Seadogs (NAS), also known as the Pyrates Confraternity, Enugu Chapter, has extended its condolences to the Enugu State Government and the families of those affected by the recent tragic accident along the Ugwu Onyeama axis of the Enugu-Onitsha expressway.
In a statement signed by the Chapter President, Mr. Joe Mazeli, the group expressed dismay over the persistent accidents on the expressway, citing poor road infrastructure, inadequate safety measures, and reckless driving as the primary causes.
The confraternity called for urgent intervention to prevent further loss of lives and property, emphasizing the need for practical and collaborative solutions to address the issue.
The statement reads in full:
PERSISTENT PETROL TRUCK ACCIDENTS AT UGWU ONYEAMA: NEVER AGAIN – PYRATES CONFRATERNITY
The National Association of Seadogs A.K.A. Pyrates Confraternity, Enugu Chapter, commiserates with the Enugu State Government, families, and loved ones of those who tragically lost their lives and properties in the unfortunate and sordid accident along the Ugwu Onyeama axis of the Enugu-Onitsha expressway on Saturday, January 25, 2025.
The gory situation of the accident shows the fragility of life, and how it can easily be snapped out in a few seconds; shattering dreams, aspirations, and plunging society and families into despair and hopelessness. There’s a need to guard and guide life very preciously. We pray for the peaceful repose of the lost souls and grant their families and loved ones the fortitude to bear such irreplaceable and irreparable loss while appreciating the Enugu State Government for promising to cater to the welfare of the injured.
However, this incident is not the first of such gruesome accidents along that expressway nor in the country at large. After every occurrence, we wail, we condemn, lives are lost, properties are destroyed, and we move on; waiting to repeat ourselves again. These ghastly events trigger the very necessary question: what should be done to forestall further recurrences? We cannot follow the same reactive approach towards these unfortunate accidents and expect different results. It’s never possible.
As an Association, we don’t believe in mere rhetorical solutions; rather, we believe in practical and pragmatic solutions to societal challenges. As such, we suggest the following:
- Rehabilitation of the Road: The speedy reconstruction of the second lane of the road, from Akama Ngwo up to Abakpa Junction, to ensure free traffic flow in opposing directions. We urge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, through the Minister for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Dave Umahi, to declare the axis an emergency since it falls under Federal Government jurisdiction. The State Government should lobby and appeal to contractors to return to the site.
- Restricted Movement of Heavy-Duty Trucks: The Enugu State House of Assembly should craft a bill to limit the movement of heavy-duty trucks, especially those carrying highly flammable substances, to nighttime hours (9 pmā6 am). This would minimize casualties in the event of an accident.
- Removal of Barricades: We call on the Enugu State Police Commissioner, Commander of the 103 Battalion, Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), and other security agencies to dismantle all checkpoints along the Ugwu Onyeama axis, as these impede traffic flow and rescue efforts during emergencies.
- Establishment of a Fire Service Station: The Federal and Enugu State Fire Services should set up a fire station at Ugwu Onyeama. This station would not only address emergencies but also safeguard critical infrastructure, such as the newly established CNG plant in the area.
- Vehicle Inspection Units: The State Ministry of Transport should collaborate with Federal Government agencies to establish vehicle inspection units across highways in the state. This would reduce mechanical failures, such as brake failures, which have been identified as a major cause of the recent accident.
- Training and Maintenance for Haulage Companies: Haulage owners must conduct thorough checks on their vehicles and organize refresher courses for their drivers and managers to ensure safer road use.
In his statement at the scene, Governor Peter Mbah promised immediate action to prevent future occurrences. We assure the Governor of our support and partnership in achieving this and promise to hold him accountable if delays occur.
We call on all stakeholders and motorists to join this fight for safer roads. The incident at Ugwu Onyeama, as well as those in Niger State and other parts of the country, could have happened to anyone. We all share the blame for our collective silence and neglect. Now is the time to strategize and act decisively to ensure such tragedies never happen again.
Joe Mazeli
Chapter President
NAS/PC Enugu
Monday, January 27, 2025
The Pyrates Confraternity emphasized its readiness to collaborate with the government and private sector to improve road safety, urging swift action to address the challenges plaguing the Ugwu Onyeama axis.