Ankpa Chairman Sympathizes with Families of Auto-crash Victims »

The Executive Chairman of Ankpa Local Government Chairman, Honourable (Engineer) Ademu Muhammed Yahay, has reached out to comfort the families of victims who lost their lives in a devastating auto crash at the busiest Ankpa Township Roundabout today.

The incident occurred when a petroleum truck driver had a breakdown from Ankpa Lona Roundabout and ran over a heavily loaded commercial vehicle, a motorcycle, killing two persons, destroying a number of shops beyond repair and running into one of them where it finally had its head stuck.

The Council Chairman described the incident as devastating.

According to him: ‘I am the chief mourner of this most devastating incident that has consumed lives and valuable items in my area today. Just few days past, in my act of proactiveness, I had constituted an outstanding Taskforce committee before this disaster. As well, had begun the construction of township tall gate capable of hindering heavy trucks and similar vehicles from entering town and cause any unforeseen havoc that could affect lives and properties.

‘One is located at the entrance from Opulega-Ankpa, at Ojoku road with immediate plans to evacuate vendors, vehicles parked on the main road, as well as motorcycles from to help curb the ugly incident onwards.’

The Chairman however noted that those selling phone accessories who are occupying shops on the main roads, and very adjacent to the road will be relocated to the former Ankpa Sunday Market, and none of them will be paying for occupancy; as they will be issued receipt of occupancy to substantiate their ownership of the very spot.

‘We experience this incident mostly because of the topography of Ankpa, which is commonly hill in nature and sloppy, but with the measures that will be put in place shortly, God will assist us, by His grace,’ said the Chairman.

Engineer Ademu expressed worries for those whose items and shops fell casualties, particularly prayed for the souls of the departed and consoled the bereaved families while encouraging them to seek strength in God during this difficult time.

‘This incident is unfortunately one of several recent auto crashes in Ankpa Local Government Area of Kogi state, and just like I earlier highlighting the need for improved road safety measures, I am not going to leave any stone unturned to make sure that I secure lives and properties of my people,’ he concluded.

As at the time of making this report, the chairman had made available a heavy duty vehicle to help tow the truck from the scene, in order to avert any other perceived disaster.

By Idris Mohammed Omale (Orator)