Former presidential candidates of the Labour Party and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar, respectively, have advised citizens against scooping petrol from fallen tankers.
Naija News reported that about 70 persons were confirmed dead on Saturday while they scooped petrol from a fallen tanker at Dikko Road in Suleja, Niger State.
Obi and Atiku described the incident resulting from the fallen tanker’s explosion as tragic and unfortunate.
Reacting to the incident on Saturday night, the former Vice President, Atiku, consoled the families of the victims.
“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 60. 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,” he prayed.
In a statement on Sunday, the former governor of Anambra State, Obi, called for stricter measures to address the dangers of tanker explosions.
“The tragic petrol tanker explosion that occurred along Dikko-Maje Road in the Suleja Local Government Area of Niger State yesterday is truly heartbreaking. Reports indicate that over 70 lives were lost, while more than 50 people were injured in the incident.
“These accidents, which have sadly become increasingly recurrent in recent times, highlight the urgent need for the implementation of stricter safety measures to address the dangers of tanker explosions and similar incidents, which often result in colossal disasters.
“I sincerely commiserate with the families who lost their loved ones in the tragedy. I also extend my condolences to the Government and people of Niger State over this devastating incident. May God grant them, and all of us, the fortitude to bear this loss, eternal rest to the departed, and a swift recovery to the injured,” he stated.
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