“Treat tanker explosions as national emergency,” Atiku tells FG after latest incident on Abuja-Keffi road

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar says the federal government must treat the problem of tanker explosions as a national emergency.

In a post on his Facebook page on Wednesday night, the former vice-president was reacting to the tanker explosion on the Abuja-Keffi road.

The number of casualties in the incident is not known yet but witnesses said many vehicles were burnt.

The tanker exploded on Wednesday evening near the Karu bridge in the federal capital territory (FCT).

The cause of the accident has not been ascertained but the presidential compressed natural gas initiative (PCNGi) has said that a “thorough investigation” would determine what happened while suggesting that a possible brake failure may be responsible.

Abubakar described the incident as “an unacceptable and recurring tragedy that has claimed far too many innocent lives and destroyed countless properties”.

“I have just been briefed on yet another devastating tanker explosion at the Karu Bridge along the Abuja-Nyanya-Keffi Highway of the Federal Capital Territory. This is an unacceptable and recurring tragedy that has claimed far too many innocent lives and destroyed countless properties,” he wrote.

“With this latest incident, it is clear that tanker explosions must be treated as a national emergency. Two weeks ago, we witnessed a similar disaster at Otedola Bridge in Lagos. How many more lives must be lost before decisive action is taken?

“I call for the immediate establishment of a high-powered presidential panel to investigate the causes of these explosions and implement urgent, practical solutions to prevent future occurrences. The safety of our citizens is non-negotiable, and we must end this cycle of destruction.

“Reports indicate that multiple lives have been lost in today’s incident. My heart goes out to the victims and their families. I urge the relevant authorities to mobilize all available resources to provide the injured with free and comprehensive medical care.

“To the families mourning their loved ones, may you find strength and comfort in this difficult time. I pray for the peaceful repose of the departed souls.”