Bago mourns victims of Niger tanker explosion, warns against scooping fuel
By Mohammed Baba Busu
Gov. Mohammed Umaru-Bago of Niger, has commiserated with the people of Essa in Katcha Local Government Area over the petrol tanker explosion that claimed many lives and left several others injured.
The governor, in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, described the incident as worrisome, unfortunate, and pathetic.
Umaru-Bago said the tragedy was “yet another painful and difficult moment for the people and the state government.”
He prayed to Allah to repose the souls of the deceased and grant a speedy recovery to those who sustained injuries.
The governor expressed concern that despite repeated warnings and sensitisation campaigns, some individuals still risk their lives by scooping fuel from fallen tankers.
“It is disheartening, how people continue to approach fallen tankers to scoop fuel despite the dangers involved,
“I urge everyone to value their lives no matter the situation,” the governor advised.
Umaru-Bago commended the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) for its prompt intervention and assured that the state government, through relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies, would provide the necessary support to victims and their families.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the state’s Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), A’isha Sa’adu, confirmed that no fewer than 35 persons died during the petrol tanker explosion in Essa village along Bida-Agaie highway.
She said the tragedy happened when some residents attempted to scoop fuel from the fallen tanker, which later exploded.
According to her, 46 others sustained various degrees of injuries and were evacuated to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Bida, with the support of FRSC personnel, villagers, and some good Samaritans.
Sa’adu explained that preliminary investigations indicated that the accident was a lone crash resulting from loss of control by the tanker driver.
She cautioned motorists to exercise utmost care and adhere to traffic regulations to avoid unnecessary loss of lives.
The sector commander also warned members of the public against scooping fuel from accident scenes, describing it as a dangerous act that had claimed many lives in the past. (NAN)
