Chief Osita Chidoka, former minister of aviation has expressed deep sense of loss over the Wednesday tanker fire accident in Onitsha Anambra.
Chidoka in his message signed by Mr Ikechukwu Okafor, his Special Adviser on Media Relations described the incident as painful and regrettable.
“It was indeed a black Wednesday in Onitsha, Anambra, the loss of lives, property and businesses as a result of the accident is both painful and regrettable.
“I want to express deep condolences to the families that lost their loved ones in the accident, including that of a mother and her baby and the people that lost property and business.
“I identify with them at this moment of grief and pray that the almighty God will console them at this time of grief,” he said.
Chidoka however observed that casualties resulting from such accidents in Onitsha were always high because of the poor planning of the area.
The Peoples Democratic Party chieftain called for more government attention and citizen engagement in the issue of urban planning and public safety.
“Onitsha is an ungoverned space; divided by artificial boundaries of Local Governments, unattended to by a visionless State.
“It lacks coherent development plan and is not loved by residents who lack a sense of community.
“The fire today is symptomatic of deep seated urban challenges.
“As markets shutdown for prayers and sanitation, they should also shutdown for an hour or two every week for fire drills.
“The people can arrange for a fire survey from Federal fire service and modify their market to enhance emergency response.
“There is need for government to engage citizens and market leadership on issues of safety,” he said.
