President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the fuel tanker explosion, which caused the death of over 80 people, with many also injured.
The devastating explosion occurred on Saturday at Dikko Junction, Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State, bringing about an immense human toll.
According to a statement by Tinubu’s spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, on Sunday, the President mourned the victims and expressed his condolences to the families affected, as well as to the government and people of Niger State.
He underscored the tragic and preventable nature of the incident, as many victims were said to be those scooping Premium Motor Spirit from the overturned tanker.
Onanuga said that the President has directed the provision of comprehensive medical care to the injured and instructed security and road safety authorities to implement measures to avert similar incidents.
He added that Tinubu strongly advised all citizens to exercise caution and avoid approaching accident sites, especially those involving fuel-laden vehicles, due to their highly explosive nature.
Additionally, the President has mandated the National Orientation Agency to initiate a nationwide educational campaign.
This campaign will raise public awareness about the severe risks and environmental dangers of scooping fuel from fallen tankers.
Also, former President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed deep sadness over the tragic loss of lives following a petroleum tanker explosion at Dikko Junction on the Abuja-Kaduna highway in Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State.
In a statement issued by his media aide, Garba Shehu, on Sunday, Buhari extended his heartfelt condolences to the government and people of Niger State over the devastating incident.
“Former President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed his heartfelt condolences on the loss of lives in a fire following another petroleum tanker accident that occurred on Saturday at Dikko Junction on the Abuja-Kaduna highway in Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State,” the statement said.
The former president also expressed disappointment at the increasing practice of scooping fuel from tanker spills despite repeated warnings from authorities about its dangers.
He lamented the recurring nature of such incidents and the attendant loss of lives.
“He expressed disappointment that the practice of scooping up fuel is becoming more common in spite of warnings from the authorities and the devastating losses of life that had characteristically attended such incidents.
“In condoling with the government and the people of Niger State, the former president wished speedy recovery to those injured,” it added.
