FG to evacuate victims involved in Suleja tanker explosion to tertiary hospitals

By Kunle Sanni

The Federal Government has directed the immediate transfer of victims of the Suleja tanker explosion to tertiary medical facilities to ensure they receive advanced medical care.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, announced this directive on Sunday during a visit to assess the situation in Niger State.

Leading a high-level delegation, including the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda, Idris expressed the Federal Government’s deep concern over the tragedy, which occurred at Dikko Junction in Suleja and has claimed nearly 80 lives.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is deeply saddened by this incident. We have seen critically injured victims, and unfortunately, one of them passed away during our visit. The government is committed to ensuring these victims receive urgent and intensive medical care at tertiary health institutions,” Idris said.

The Minister commended the swift response of the Niger State Government in providing emergency care but emphasized the need for sustained efforts to address the rising fatalities caused by tanker explosions.

Idris disclosed that President Tinubu has established a high-powered committee to investigate the causes of tanker explosions and recommend preventive measures. Since September 2024, similar incidents across Nigeria have claimed over 265 lives.

The committee will include representatives from key agencies such as the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), and transport unions such as NARTO and NUPENG.

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