Etsu Lokoja Mourns Victims of Felele Road Accident, Calls for Urgent Actions to Address Menace
The Etsu Lokoja, HRH Emmanuel Akamisoko Dauda-Shelika, Nyamkpa IV, has expressed his deepest sadness over the tragic accident that claimed the lives of Students of the Federal University Lokoja (FUL) on Monday.
An auto crash involving an articulated vehicle on Monday in Kogi, claimed the lives of seven people, including four students from the Federal University, Lokoja (FUL), while another student sustained injuries.
Dauda-Shelika in a press statement on Tuesday in Lokoja, expressed his heart felt condolences to the immediate families of all the departed souls, describing the incident as “one accident too many”.
“On behalf of members of Lokoja Native Traditional Council, it is with deep shock and broken hearts that we received the news of the tragic accident that claimed the lives of our dear Students of the Federal University Lokoja on the Felele axis of Lokoja.
“This is one accident too many. Our prayers and heart felt condolences go to the immediate families of all the departed souls, to the Governor of Kogi State, the Vice Chancellor of the Federal University Lokoja and the University Community as well as the entire residents of Lokoja.
“The Lokoja Native traditional council pray God to comfort our hearts and grant the departed souls forgiveness and eternal rest”, he said.
The monarch, however called on government and relevant stakeholders to urgently look into the incessant accidents along the Felele axis, and take the necessary actions as quickly as possible.
“We use this ugly incidence to call on the Government to urgently look into the incessant accidents involving trailers on our highways especially here in the Felele axis of Lokoja which claims lives particularly of our young students.
“This is not the first time, neither is it the second, third or even the fifth. It should not continue. Therefore, We calls for Government actions as quickly as possible.
“The Government should consider building Service lanes on both sides of the highway on that axis as well as the introduction of overhead bridges where necessary in order to reduce local traffic on the highway.
“In the same vein, we appeal for stricter traffic measures and improved Road Use Education by the relevant authorities as several road users lack ethical knowledge for proper conduct on the roads,” he said.
The royal father further appealed to the road users to be more careful and disciplined by considering other road users, and always bearing safety in mind.
He added: “It should not necessarily be about rights on the roads but ultimately about safety.
“The commuters also should always caution the drivers when they notice any form of recklessness from the driver because such recklessness may affect all.
“We all have the responsibility to make our roads safe and our trips smooth. Let us therefore, play our parts. May God have mercy on us and help us to be more responsible on our roads.
“Once again, accept our deepest condolences”.
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