- President Tinubu expresses condolences for the Niger State petrol tanker explosion, which claimed 48 lives, and pledges support for relief efforts
- The President directs federal agencies to enhance road safety and security, acknowledging the prompt response of emergency services to the tragedy
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed his condolences to the government and people of Niger State following a tragic petrol tanker explosion on the Bida-Agaie-Lapai road on Sunday, which resulted in the deaths of 48 people and the loss of livestock.
In a statement issued on Monday by Bayo Onanuga, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, President Tinubu directed relevant federal agencies in transportation and road infrastructure to intensify their efforts and collaborate with state governments to improve the safety and security of travellers and residents.
The President extended his sympathies to the families of the deceased and injured victims and expressed condolences to the owners of shops affected by the incident. He also prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured and assured continued support for relief efforts for those impacted by the tragedy.
President Tinubu commended federal and state emergency agencies for their prompt response and acknowledged the efforts of compassionate Nigerians who quickly mobilized to help the victims.
Meanwhile, the Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Shehu Mohammed, called on stakeholders to join his agency in advising the public to avoid travelling at night and refrain from relying on unsafe transportation.
His remarks were contained in a statement by the Corps Public Education Officer, Olusegun Ogungbemide, following the tanker crash in Niger State. The crash, attributed to speed violations, resulted in a loss of control and led to a massive fire.
The incident involved a total of 55 male adults, including 18 passengers who were rescued with various degrees of injuries, while 37 people lost their lives.