Eleven more person have died from burns sustained in the fuel tanker explosion that took place at Ahumbe in Gwer East Local Government Area of Benue State recently, the Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC, has said.
The FRSC Sector Commander in Benue State, Aliyu Baba disclosed this when he paid a courtesy call on Governor Samuel Ortom at Government House Makurdi, on Thursday.
Baba said the additional deaths have now taken the toll from the inferno to 60.
He told the Govetnor that the commission needed additional operation ambulances to convey accident victims to hospitals explaining that most times, the commission resorts to using open pick up vans, which are not healthy, to convey persons who suffer injuries in accidents.
He further intimated that the commission will soon begin clamp down on Motorcycle riders who have no license and number plates in Benue.
“We are planning to begin a Nationwide clamp down on motorcycle riders who have no drivers’ license and plate numbers. The operation is scheduled to begin next month (August), and license will be N3500 only,” he said.
Responding, Governor Ortom called for support for the road safety corps to enable them carry out their duty.
He said the work of the commission required the support of individuals, organisations and government adding that anyone could be a victim of accident.
The governor said he will give full support to the clampdown on motorcycle riders operating without being registered saying most crimes in the state were perpetrated by those using motorcycles especially as it is easier to use it through narrow roads.
Ortom promised to place order for an ambulance as a priority saying it will enable the commission performance its duties effectively.
