Ododo moves to regulate truck movement after fatal accident claims six

Kogi State governor, Ahmed Ododo, has ordered the State Security Adviser, Jerry Omodara, and the Commissioner for Transportation, Victor Atuluku, to come up with a framework for the regulation of the movement of heavy trucks during peak hours in the state.

Gov Ododo gave the order in his quick response to the road accident in Felele, Lokoja, on Monday involving a couple of students from the Federal University Lokoja.

Reports indicate that six students from the Federal University Lokoja lost their lives on Monday while returning from their school at the Felele campus in Lokoja.

In a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, the government described the incident as a painful loss not only to the affected families but also to the Federal University Lokoja community and the entire state.

The statement read, “Kogi State Government has expressed deep sympathies over the tragic accident that occurred in Lokoja, which claimed multiple lives and left many others severely injured.

“Recognising the dangers posed by reckless driving on major highways, the government emphasized the urgent need for stakeholders to push for safer road regulations, especially in areas close to institutions of learning and densely populated regions.

“To address this concern, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has directed the State Ministry of Works to initiate discussions with the Federal Ministry of Works on enforcing speed limits along the section of the highway covering Federal University Lokoja. Additionally, the State Security Adviser and the Commissioner for Transportation have been tasked with developing a framework to regulate the movement of heavy trucks during peak hours.

“The government further urged road users to exercise caution to prevent similar heartbreaking incidents in the future. Students were also advised to remain calm, as efforts are being made to enhance safety measures in collaboration with the university’s management.

“Our hearts are with the families of the victims in this dark hour. May God grant them the strength to bear this irreparable loss,” the statement added.