Niger tanker explosion: Tinubu mourns victims, pledges support for affected families

By Kunle Sanni

President Bola Tinubu has extended his deepest condolences to the families of the victims and the government of Niger State following a tragic petrol tanker explosion on the Bida-Agaie-Lapai road on Sunday. The devastating incident claimed the lives of 48 people and livestock.

The Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) reported that the explosion occurred after a collision between a petrol tanker and a truck carrying cattle and passengers, leading to numerous injuries and significant property damage.

In a statement released on Monday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, President Tinubu expressed his heartfelt sympathies to the families of those who lost their lives, as well as to the injured and the shop owners whose businesses were destroyed in the accident.

The President offered prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured and commended the federal and state emergency agencies for their prompt response to the tragedy.

He also praised the efforts of compassionate Nigerians who rushed to the scene to assist the victims, pledging continued support for relief efforts to aid those affected.

President Tinubu further directed relevant federal agencies in the areas of transportation and road infrastructure to intensify their efforts and collaborate with state governments to enhance road safety and protect travelers and residents.