Tanker Explosion: Federal Gov’t Mourns Victims, Commiserates With Niger Govt, Orders Probe
The Federal Government has expressed deep condolences to the government and people of Niger State following the tragic explosion of a petrol-laden tanker at Dikko Junction along the Abuja-Kaduna Expressway on Saturday. The explosion resulted in significant loss of life and left several others injured, marking a heartbreaking tragedy for all affected.
In a statement issued on Saturday, Heineken Lokpobiri, the Minister of Petroleum Resources, extended his heartfelt sympathies to the families of the victims, describing the incident as deeply saddening. He conveyed his thoughts and prayers to the bereaved families, stating:
“I am deeply saddened by this tragic event, and my thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families. May the souls of the departed find eternal rest, and may God grant their families the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.”
The minister also offered prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured, noting,
“To the injured, I pray for their swift and complete healing. This is a time for us to stand together as a nation in solidarity with all those affected by this tragedy.”
Call for Enhanced Safety Measures
Lokpobiri emphasized the importance of enhanced safety measures to prevent such incidents in the future. He appealed to the public to exercise utmost caution during emergencies involving petrol-laden tankers. His statement also underscored the risks involved in approaching accident sites where such tankers are involved, especially in the event of a leak or fire.
“As much as we strive to implement safety measures across the petroleum supply chain, I must strongly appeal to the public to avoid approaching petrol-ladened tankers in the event of an accident. I have appealed this severally, the risks are enormous, and lives are too precious to be lost unnecessarily,” he said.
Investigation and Federal Government’s Response
Lokpobiri confirmed that the National Petroleum Directorate and Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has been directed to investigate the incident and ascertain the cause. He also reassured the people of Niger State that the Federal Government is fully committed to promoting the safety of petroleum transportation across the country. The minister emphasized the need for collaboration among government agencies, transport operators, and citizens to ensure safety is prioritized at all levels of petroleum distribution.
“This tragedy reminds us of the importance of collective responsibility. We must all work together – government, transport operators, and citizens – to ensure that safety remains paramount in all aspects of petroleum distribution,” Lokpobiri stressed.
Solidarity with Niger State
The Minister of Petroleum Resources also assured the people of Niger State that the Ministry will provide the necessary support during this difficult time. His message of solidarity with the victims underscored the government’s commitment to public safety and the well-being of citizens, particularly in such tragic circumstances.
The Federal Government’s response to this incident highlights the growing concern over the safety of transporting petroleum products across the country, with recent events like this serving as a reminder of the urgent need for stricter safety protocols.
As investigations continue and the community mourns, the hope remains that lessons learned from this tragedy will lead to more robust measures to prevent future disasters.
