Synopsis
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu confirmed over 80 fatalities and numerous injuries due to a gasoline tanker explosion in Niger State. He expressed deep sorrow and emphasized the tragic nature of the event, urging caution around fuel accidents and mandating public awareness campaigns about the associated risks.Key Takeaways
- Over 80 fatalities confirmed in tanker explosion.
- Incident occurred in Niger State, Nigeria.
- President Tinubu described the event as devastating.
- Nationwide awareness campaign mandated.
- Calls for stricter traffic regulations.
Abuja, Jan 19 (NationPress) Nigerian President Bola Tinubu announced on Sunday that over 80 individuals lost their lives and numerous others sustained injuries following an explosion of a gasoline tanker that overturned, spilling fuel on a busy road in Niger, a state in the north-central region of Nigeria.
Expressing his deep sorrow regarding the tragedy and the significant human loss in a statement, Tinubu characterized the explosion as devastating. Many residents in the Dikko area of the state were caught in a fierce blaze while attempting to collect fuel from the overturned tanker, according to the Xinhua news agency.
The Nigerian leader emphasized the tragic and avoidable nature of the event, instructing relevant authorities to ensure comprehensive medical assistance for the injured, and directing security and road safety officials to implement measures to prevent future occurrences.
He also urged all citizens to exercise caution and refrain from approaching accident sites, especially those involving fuel-laden vehicles, which are highly explosive.
Additionally, the president has directed the National Orientation Agency to start a nationwide educational initiative aimed at raising public awareness regarding the severe risks and environmental threats associated with scooping fuel from fallen tankers, as mentioned in the statement.
Explosions involving gasoline tankers are a frequent occurrence in Nigeria, often resulting in substantial casualties and national mourning. In September 2024, at least 48 people died after a gasoline-laden tanker exploded on a busy highway in Niger State.
While many Nigerians link the continuous incidents to ongoing economic struggles that compel people to engage in desperate acts, including scooping gasoline from fallen tankers, others are advocating for stricter traffic regulations to avert similar tragedies.
Earlier in October last year, Tinubu reaffirmed the government's dedication to promptly reviewing and improving fuel transportation safety protocols, directing police to intensify measures such as enhanced patrols, stricter enforcement of safety regulations, and other highway safety strategies to prevent such incidents from recurring.
