Victor EzejaThe Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), has condoled with the victims of the petrol tanker explosion that happened in the Dikko-Maje area of Niger State on Saturday.
The incident which occurred at Dikko-Maje Junction along the Abuja-Kaduna Road in Suleja Local Government Area of the state, led to the loss of dozens of lives while several others sustained varying degrees of injuries.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelAccording to a statement by Kumar Tsukwam, a sector commander, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Niger State, the tanker overturned and cut fire as people rushed to scoop petrol that spilled on the road.
NNPCL’s Executive Vice President, Downstream, Mr. Isiyaku Abdullahi, paid a condolence visit to the General Hospital in Sabon Wuse, Niger State where some of the victims were taken to for medical care.
According to a statement by NNPCL spokesman, Olufemi Soneye, Mr Abdullahi expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and prayed for the peaceful repose of the departed souls. He also wished the injured a swift and full recovery.
Abdullahi also urged the public to exercise extreme caution and avoid approaching fallen petrol tankers to prevent such heartbreaking tragedies in the future.
On his part, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Oil, Heineken Lokpobiri, expressed sadness over the tragic explosion.
In a statement posted on his X handle, the minister sympathised with the Government and people of Niger State, as well as the families who lost loved ones in the fire accident.
“My heartfelt condolences go out to the Government and people of Niger State, as well as the families who have lost loved ones in this heartbreaking incident,” Lokpobiri stated. He also prayed for eternal rest to the souls departed, speedy recovery to those injured and for God to grant their families the strength to bear the loss.
Lokpobiri pointed out that the tragic incident a reminder of the need prioritizing safety in all aspects of petroleum transportation. “While I have directed NMDPRA to commence investigation into the incident, I wish to resound, once again, that citizens should avoid approaching petrol-ladened tankers during accidents to prevent further casualties.”
Incidents of petrol tanker fire explosion have become alarmingly common in Nigeria, where fuel prices have skyrocketed by over 400% since President Bola Tinubu removed subsidies on the commodity in 2023.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with six years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Masters degree in Mass Communication.
