The survivors of the Niger tanker explosion have been relocated to tertiary medical centers for improved care.
Following the tragic incident, which claimed over 80 lives over the weekend, President Bola Tinubu ordered the transfer of the injured victims for specialized treatment.
On Monday, Rabiu Ibrahim, the Special Assistant (Media) to the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, stated that “20 patients have been admitted to Gwagwalada Specialist Hospital in Abuja.”
“Similarly, two additional patients have been transferred to the Federal Medical Centre, Jabi, Abuja.”
“All the patients were accompanied by a nurse and family members to the designated referral centers to ensure seamless care,” the statement added.
Ibrahim conveyed the Niger State Government’s appreciation to the Federal Government for its swift and effective response to the tragedy.
The incident is one of many tanker explosions that have plagued Nigeria in recent years. Earlier in January, at least five people lost their lives when a petrol-laden tanker lost control and ignited in the Agbor area of Delta State.
In October last year, a fuel tanker explosion in Jigawa State claimed over 170 lives, leaving many others injured.
In response to the recurring tragedies, President Tinubu pledged to establish a committee to investigate the incidents and implement safety measures to prevent future occurrences.
Idris, speaking on Sunday, added that his ministry would conduct awareness campaigns on the safe transport of fuel tankers, road safety practices, and the hazards of scooping leaked fuel.