Tinubu, IGP Egbetokun mourn victims of tanker explosion, condole with Niger Government

*President Bola Ahmed Tinubu expresses deep sorrow over the fuel tanker explosion resulting in death of over 80 people with several others injured, tasking the National Orientation Agency to intensify public awareness about severe risks, environmental dangers of scooping fuel from fallen oil tankers

Alexander Davis | ConsumerConnect

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the fuel tanker explosion, which caused the death of over 80 people while several others got injured.

The devastating explosion occurred Saturday, January 18, 2025, at Dikko Junction, Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State, resulting in an immense human toll.

Scene of the fuel tanker explosion in Niger State

ConsumerConnect learnt that 86 persons had been confirmed dead in the fatal tanker explosion, which has since plunged the community into mourning and raised concerns about safety measures in the area.

The number of injured individuals also has risen to 55, with a fatality recorded at the healthcare facility, in Dikko.

Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, in a statement Sunday, January 19, 2025, said President Tinubu mourned the victims, and expressed heartfelt condolences to the affected families, as well as the government and people of Niger State of Nigeria.

The statement noted President Tinubu underscored the “tragic and preventable nature” of the incident, as several victims were those scooping Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), otherwise known as petrol from the overturned tanker in the area.

The Nigerian leader, therefore, directed the provision of comprehensive medical care to the injured.

The President also instructed security and road safety authorities to implement measures to avert similar incidents.

Onanuga stated: “President Tinubu strongly advises all citizens to exercise caution and avoid approaching accident sites, especially those involving fuel-laden vehicles, due to their highly explosive nature.”

The President further mandated the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to initiate a nationwide educational and public enlightenment campaigns on safety measures.

This campaign, the statement noted, will raise public awareness about the severe risks and environmental dangers of scooping fuel from fallen tankers.

IGP Egbetokun urges adherence to road safety protocols

In a related development, Nigerian Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, has also extended heartfelt condolences to the government and the good people of Niger State, following the tragic tanker explosion.

Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), in a statement, said IGP Egbetokun, while stressing the importance of strict adherence to safety protocols on roads, warned firmly against the negligence and disregard for regulations that could lead to such catastrophic incidents.

The IGP directed all State Commissioners of Police to strengthen their Motor Traffic Divisions (MTDs) of their respective State Commands, in collaboration with other traffic management agencies to ensure strict compliance and enforcement of established protocols and traffic regulations on highways.

Egbetokun also urged motorists to ensure that their vehicles are roadworthy, and abide by the traffic rules in order to prevent any further tragedies in the country

He equally advised transport operators and the general public to prioritise safety and responsibility in their operations and actions.