– As death toll hits 80
Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — The death toll from the devastating fuel tanker explosion at Dikko Junction along the Abuja-Kaduna Expressway in Niger State has risen to 80, prompting outpour of condolences from political leaders and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL.
The explosion occurred last Saturday when individuals attempted to scoop fuel from a fallen tanker, leading to a devastating fire that claimed lives left over 50 persons injured.
Reacting on the sad development, President Bola Tinubu expressed deep sorrow over the incident, describing it as both devastating and preventable.
The President condoled with the families of the victims and directed authorities to provide comprehensive medical care for the injured; and also mandated the National Orientation Agency to launch a campaign on the dangers of scooping fuel from fallen tankers.
“This tragedy underscores the need for caution. Citizens must avoid approaching accident sites, particularly those involving fuel-laden vehicles,” Tinubu said.
Similarly, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar described the incident as heartbreaking, expressing sorrow over the loss of lives.
“I have been updated that the number of persons that died in the fuel tanker explosion in Dikko, Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State, now stands at 80. I am sad and heartbroken by the scope of this tragedy. My thoughts and prayers are with the families of the deceased and the people and government of Niger State. May the souls of the departed rest in eternal peace,” Atiku said.
Also, former presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi also mourned the loss, stating, “These accidents, which have sadly become increasingly recurrent, highlight the urgent need for stricter safety measures.” Obi offered prayers for the families of the deceased, the injured, and the government of Niger State.
Similarly, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil) Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, lamented the tragedy and called for stricter adherence to safety protocols in petroleum transportation.
While offering his condolences, Lokpobiri revealed he had directed the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, NMDPRA, to investigate the incident.
“My heartfelt condolences go out to the Government and people of Niger State, as well as the families who have lost loved ones in this heartbreaking incident. As we pray for eternal rest to the souls departed and speedy recovery to those injured, I also pray that their families find the strength to bear this immense loss.
“This tragedy is a painful reminder of the importance of prioritizing safety in all aspects of petroleum transportation. While I have directed NMDPRA to commence investigation into the incident, I wish to resound, once again, that citizens should avoid approaching petrol-ladened tankers during accidents to prevent further casualties.”
Meanwhile, NNPCL’s Executive Vice President, Downstream, Isiyaku Abdullahi, has visited the General Hospital in Sabon Wuse, Niger State, where some of the injured were receiving treatment.
He expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and said, “NNPC Ltd. extends its heartfelt condolences to the victims of the tragic petrol tanker explosion. We pray for the peaceful repose of the departed souls and wish the injured a swift and full recovery.”
Abdullahi also urged the public to exercise caution, saying, “The public should exercise extreme caution and avoid approaching fallen petrol tankers to prevent such heartbreaking tragedies in the future.”
