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President Bola Tinubu has expressed sorrow over the fuel tanker explosion, which caused the death of over 80 people, with many also injured.
The explosion occurred on Saturday at Dikko Junction, Gurara Local Government Area of Niger, bringing about an immense human toll, Mr Bayo Onanuga, the President’s spokesman, said in a statement on Sunday.
President Tinubu mourned the victims and expressed his condolences to the families affected, as well as to the government and people of Niger.
He underscored the tragic and preventable nature of the incident, as many victims were those scooping Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) from the overturned tanker.
The President directed the provision of comprehensive medical care to the injured and instructed security and road safety authorities to implement measures to avert similar incidents.
“President Tinubu strongly advises 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,” said the statement.
Tanker Explosion: First Lady commiserates with Niger people
The First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu has expressed condolences to the government and people of Niger state over the fuel tanker explosion that claimed lives on Saturday.
According to a statement issued on Sunday by Mrs Busola Kukoyi, the first lady’s spokesperson, the explosion occurred at Dikko Junction, Gurara Local Government Area of Niger, bringing about an immense human toll
In the condolence message, Mrs Tinubu also commiserated with Gov. Mohammed Bago, saying that her thoughts and prayers were with him and the families and loved ones of the deceased.
“I received with sadness, the news of the fuel tanker explosion which occurred on Saturday, at the Dikko Junction, Niger state where several lives were lost and many sustained injuries.
“I condole with Gov. Mohammed Bago, the families and loved ones of the departed souls, the injured and the entire people of the state.
“I urge everyone to please be more cautious and avoid scenes of accidents especially involving vehicles conveying inflammable substances, due to the high risks involved,” she said.
The first lady further prayed for the governor, the families and the loved ones of the departed for the fortitude to bear the pains.
Niger Tanker Explosion: Shettima commiserates with families of victims
Vice-President Kashim Shettima has commiserated with families of victims of fuel tanker explosion that claimed several lives at Dikko Junction in Niger State.
In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Mr Stanley Nkwocha on Sunday in Abuja, Shettima assured them of the Federal Government’s commitment to preventing future occurrences.
The Vice-President, who expressed dismay at the devastating tanker explosion, extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, as well as the government and people of the state.
The Vice-President’s message follows President Bola Tinubu’s earlier directive for immediate medical assistance to survivors and the implementation of stricter safety protocols along major highways.
The incident, which occurred when a fuel-laden tanker en route from Kaduna to Gwagwalada overturned at Dikko Junction, had prompted the federal government to announce a comprehensive review of transportation safety measures.
The President had also tasked the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to launch an immediate nationwide awareness campaign on the dangers of approaching accident scenes involving fuel tankers.