The Federal Government has extended its condolences to the people of Niger State following the devastating petrol tanker explosion at Dikko Junction in Gurara Local Government Area on Saturday. The tragic incident, which has claimed numerous lives and caused extensive property damage, has sent shockwaves across the nation.
Prof. Nantewe Yilwatda, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, described the explosion as a heartbreaking event. In a statement released on Sunday by Rhoda Iliya, the ministry’s Information Officer, the minister expressed profound sorrow over the tragedy while addressing the alarming frequency of tanker explosions in Nigeria. He urged motorists to prioritize safety and strictly adhere to traffic regulations to prevent further loss of lives.
“I am deeply saddened by the frequent occurrence of tanker explosions in the country, which always leads to loss of lives, injuries, and property damage. I share in the pain of the community who lost their loved ones in this devastating incident,” Yilwatda said, extending heartfelt condolences to the grieving families and wishing the injured a swift recovery.
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The minister also lauded the prompt response of Niger State Governor Umaru Bago, along with the collaborative efforts of the State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), the Fire Service, the Federal Road Safety Corps, the Nigeria Police Force, and concerned citizens who assisted in evacuating victims and managing the crisis.
Abdullahi Baba-Arah, the Director-General of NSEMA, disclosed grim details of the incident, revealing that 86 lives were lost, with 80 victims interred in a mass grave. Several bodies were handed over to their families for burial, while the number of injured individuals has risen to 55. Tragically, one of the injured succumbed to their injuries at a healthcare facility in Dikko.
The tragic event at Dikko Junction has once again highlighted the urgent need for stricter road safety measures and proactive government policies to address tanker-related accidents. As the nation mourns, calls for action are growing louder, with citizens demanding better regulation of fuel transport and a commitment to ensuring public safety.
As Niger State grapples with the aftermath of this disaster, the thoughts and prayers of the nation remain with the victims and their families, the statement concludes.
