TIKO, Southwest Region– Social Democratic Front (SDF) National Chairman Joshua Osih has taken decisive action following the Likomba tragedy, offering not just sympathy but two concrete forms of support: a pledge of legal guidance for property claims and immediate financial assistance delivered directly to the injured.
During his visit to disaster zone on December 14th, Chairman Osih addressed the distinct needs of different victim groups, ensuring aid was both promised and delivered on the spot where it was most urgent.
Firm Pledge for Legal Redress
Meeting with business owners at the ravaged accident site, Osih focused on their long-term recovery. He pledged to assist them in seeking legal redress to reclaim their damaged properties, offering crucial guidance for navigating insurance and compensation claims—a vital commitment for those who lost their livelihoods.
Immediate Financial Assistance at the Hospital
Chairman Osih provided on-the-spot financial support to the injured survivors during his visit to the Baptist Hospital in Mutengene. This immediate aid was given the victims currently undergoing treatment, aiming to alleviate the immediate financial burden of their medical care and recovery.
“We need to comfort them and listen to them. Very often, nobody listens to the victims,” Osih stated. “I think we need to make sure… we step up and move rapidly to first of all take care of the families of the victims, those still in hospital, and those who have lost tremendous material property.”
A Visit of Solidarity and Action
The Chairman’s tour also included a heartfelt condolence visit to the grieving Chimezie family, who lost three children in the disaster, underscoring his comprehensive outreach.
Background of the Tiko Tragedy
The December 12 accident, involving a fuel tanker explosion, claimed eight lives and left a trail of destruction across vehicles and homes. Joshua Osih, accompanied by senior SDF officials, is noted as the first opposition politician to visit the site, distinguishing his response by combining a pledge for future legal support with immediate, tangible financial aid delivered directly to those in medical need.
