Niger Speaker, APC Chieftain, and CAN Mourn Victims of Fuel Tanker Explosion in Niger.
From Our Correspondent
The tragic fuel tanker explosion at Diko Junction in the Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State has drawn widespread condolences as it claimed the lives of 86 individuals and left 55 others in critical condition.
The Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abdulmalik Sarkindaji, expressed his heartfelt sympathies to the families of the victims, labeling the incident as profoundly worrisome.
In a statement released in Minna on Sunday, Speaker Sarkindaji described Saturday’s catastrophic event as one of the darkest days in the state’s history. “It is with a heavy heart that I extend my condolences to the immediate families of the deceased, the residents of Gurara, and the state government for this tragic loss of innocent lives,” he stated.
He emphasized that “this incident will long be remembered as one of the saddest in our history.”
Sarkindaji urged greater caution and adherence to safety standards among tanker drivers and all road users, stressing the need to prevent future tragedies.
“We must advocate against reckless driving and ensure that all drivers adhere strictly to traffic regulations to avoid further loss of lives and property,” he added.
Additionally, he expressed gratitude to relevant agencies for their swift response during the emergency and their efforts in assisting victims at the scene.
Former Commissioner for Information, Culture, and Tourism, Mr. Jonathan Vatsa, a prominent member of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Niger State, echoed similar sentiments in his condolence message.
He described the incident as tragic and disheartening, highlighting the fatalities of over 80 promising Nigerians. Vatsa attributed the calamity to the deplorable condition of federal roads in the state, noting that many individuals, despite knowing the dangers, still attempted to scoop fuel amidst the chaos.
He specifically criticized the Minna-Suleja highway, which leads to Diko Junction, stating that its contract was awarded almost 15 years ago but remains uncompleted.
He called for urgent federal government intervention to address the dire state of roads to mitigate further accidents.
“The federal government can best show sympathy towards the victims and the people of the state by expediting the completion of this road, which has already claimed too many innocent lives,” Vatsa contended.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Niger State has also expressed its condolences to Governor Umaru Mohammed Bago and the citizens following the tanker explosion.
Chairman of the Niger State chapter of CAN, Most Rev. Dr. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, assured the Governor of the solidarity of the Christian community during this challenging time.
“In these trying moments, we are deeply saddened by this devastating incident and stand in solidarity with the state government,” he stated.
The Bishop commended the government’s response efforts and the ongoing support extended to the affected families and those still hospitalized.
Meanwhile, the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NISEMA) has confirmed the death toll from the explosion, reporting that 86 individuals lost their lives in the tragedy.
