The Onu Ankpa in Kogi state, Alhaji Abdulmalik Umar has called on local and state government to stop forthwith trading along the roads and market corridors, stated that traders should utilise the markets and shops provided to avoid frequent deaths from road accidents.
The paramount ruler made the position known on Thursday, September 29th in his palace in a condolence message to the people of his domain after yesterday’s incidence of a tanker lorry that fell and caught fire , justifying his position that Ankpa town is located in a sloppy environment.
He also appealed to other artisans like car washers and mechanics not to use the main road, Ankpa bridge or waterside for their activities, as the danger posed by their operation outweigh its advantages.
The Royal father expressed grief on the lingering and saddening moment of the town, stating that it was a death too many ,after the recent attacks by armed robbers.
Alhaji Abdulmalik Umar stated that there are designated areas for all activities created by the local government over the decades, but his subjects negligence had created dire consequences.
“Why we are against road side trading, display of items outside the shops and other activities is that it obstructs free flow of traffics, of not only vehicular movements and articulated vehicles, but motorbikes and motorcycles that will portend serious danger to the lives of our people.”
“If the basis of engaging is trading is for our survival, then why exposing ourselves to all sort of dangers to realize our economic aims.”
“The nature of Ankpa town from the entrance from Opulega to Owelle area and towards Ankpa Riverside through Eti-aja are all sloppy areas, therefore portends great dangers when people go about their legitimate business along the road corridors.”
The Royal father therefore maintained that heeding to his warnings and advises , will no doubt reduce the high level of road carnages prevalent in Ankpa town .
He urged the people to be law abiding by moving into the market squares, operating within the perimeter of their shops, so as to allow free access to vehicular movements, saying this will reduce to the barest minimum victim of both natural and artificial occurrences.
He urged both government and private sector to support in the campaigns to enable traders and artisans comply with the normal norm , rather than taking laws into their hands.
He then commiserated with the people of his domain especially those that lost their loved ones, prayed Almighty God continue to protect his people in their daily activities.
