GOVERNOR OBIANO, CHIEF ODENIGBO, OTHERS WEEP OVER 32 UNIDENTIFIED CORPSES LAID TO REST...AS OBIANO BANS HEAVY DUTY VEHICLES FROM PLYING DAYTIME

THE CLERGY ALONGSIDE GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS PRAYING OVER THE CORPSES BEFORE FINAL BURIAL

The Anambra State government has organised a mass burial for the 32 unidentified bodies of victims of the fuel tanker accident that took place at the Asaba Park, Upper Iweka, Onitsha on the 31st of May, this year. The ceremony which commenced with a 21 gun salute in honor of the departed, proceeded with an inter-denominational burial service held at the instance of the Anglican Bishop on the Niger, Reverend Owen Nwokolo and attracted top government functionaries and stakeholders in the state.
In solemn dirges blended with bible readings, the final rites of the departed were completed before they were interred at the St Andrew's Anglican Cemetery, Obosi.

Speaking at the event, Governor Willie Obiano explained that tissues specimen were taken from the unidentified bodies (which were burnt beyond recognition) and deposited at the Onitsha General Hospital where they will be kept for a period of ten years for future investigations while the graves will have cenotaphs to identify the bodies. Chief Dr. Obiano, who said in swift response to the incident, his administration had taken pragmatic measures to forestall similar future occurence, some of which include ban of fuel-carrying tankers and trucks from moving in the daytime and plying the state's roads as well as restriction of commercial motorcyclists from plying some roads in the state. while noting that his government is working in collaboration with relevant agencies to ensure safety on the state roads, the governor urged the motoring public to imbibe safety habits and always ensure that their vehicles are in fine shape.

CHIEF PAUL ODENIGBO, EXECUTIVE SECRETARY - SEMA ANAMBRA STATE

Also speaking to newsmen during the event, the executive secretary of Anambra State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Chief Paul Odenigbo shared his sorrow at the tragedy and as well said that the Anambra state government has, by the lightening speed response and commitment to the occurrence, set the pace for other states. He also used the occasion to enjoin Ndi Anambra to take precautionary risk management measures, especially with regards to the way they handle electrical appliances, inflammable substances and their compliance to road traffic rules. Chief Odenigbo also called on heavy duty vehicle drivers to become more conscientious in their driving and stop using psychotropic substances and alcohol given the high risk level of their occupation. He appreciated the state government for assisting the surviving victims of the mayhem and called on other well-meaning Nigerians to borrow a leaf from the government and assist those whose breadwinners died in the incidence. He also commended the Vice President, Professor Osibanjo, for the way he came down to Anambra state to show solidarity and assistance on hearing of the occurence. Chief Paul Odenigbo observed that this gesture was a sign that the Anambra state governor is in right-standing with the federal government. He expressed his satisfaction with the way the media reported the accident in a responsible and professional way. The Executive Secretary re-affirmed SEMA's resolve to maintain high level of professionalism, efficiency and effectiveness in the execution of their duties in cases of emergencies in the state.

INTERDENOMINATIONAL CLERGY IN ATTENDANCE AS SERMON IS BEING DELIVERED

In a sermon, the Right Reverend Nwokolo represented by the Archdeacon in charge of Obosi Archdeaconry, Venerable Oswald Ezekwere called on christians to live everyday with the consciousness that everything on earth is vanity, noting that only total faith and belief in God as well as positive living can guarantee eternal life.

THE 32 CORPSES' COFFINS BURIED FINALLY

In his remark, the Chief Imam, Central mosque, Bida road, Onitsha, Mr Abdulrahman Hamza, representing the muslim community in the state, said that Governor Obiano has, by his decision to organize the burial, exhibited genuine humaneness and goodwill as as his commitment towards addressing any bottleneck that might hamper the growth of the state.

Special prayers were said for the executive governor, the state, and the bereaved families as well as for the peaceful repose of the souls of the departed.