President Bola Tinubu has expressed profound sadness over the tragic fuel tanker explosion at Dikko Junction in Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State, which claimed over 80 lives and left many others injured.
In a statement issued on Sunday by his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, the President extended his condolences to the bereaved families, as well as to the government and people of Niger State.
Describing the incident as both tragic and preventable, Tinubu lamented reports indicating that many of the victims were scooping Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) from the overturned tanker before the explosion occurred.
The President has directed that the injured receive comprehensive medical care and instructed security and road safety agencies to enforce measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
Tinubu also urged citizens to exercise caution and refrain from approaching accident scenes, particularly those involving fuel-laden vehicles, due to the high risk of explosions.
Furthermore, he has tasked the National Orientation Agency to launch a nationwide awareness campaign to educate the public about the dangers of scooping fuel from fallen tankers and the environmental risks associated with such activities.