The Labour Party presidential flag bearer in the 2023 presidential election, Mr Peter Obi, has described the tragic Saturday, January 18, petrol tanker explosion in Niger State that killed 98 people and injured dozens of others, as most disheartening.
Obi, who was in Nigeria State to see for himself the site of the disastrous tanker fire along the Dikko-Maje Road in Suleja Local Government Area, said the country must look for an end to such incessant disasters.
At the site of the explosion and the graveyard where about 80 of the victims were buried, Mr. Obi expressed deep sorrow and described the tragedy as a heartbreaking and preventable loss.
He also visited some of the victims receiving treatment at the hospital, where he expressed deep concern over the frequency of such accidents.
“These tragic incidents, which have sadly become increasingly recurrent, underscore the urgent need for stricter safety measures,” he told journalists who accompanied him to the disaster scene and the hospital. were present at the .
“Addressing the dangers of tanker explosions and similar occurrences requires immediate action, including the repair of existing roads and targeted efforts to lift people out of poverty. By prioritizing safety and economic stability, we can prevent the devastating loss of lives and properties, particularly among poor Nigerians who risk their lives scooping fuel from fallen petrol tankers,” the former two-term Governor of Anambra State, agonized.
During the visit, Mr. Obi met with Sarkin Dikko and members of the traditional council to convey his condolences personally.
Expressing his solidarity with the affected families and the people of Niger State, Obi commended the Niger State Government and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) for their intervention and save-the-situation efforts so far.
He pledged to contribute towards the families of the victims to overcome the trauma of their losses and to supporting micro-businesses within the community to help rebuild their livelihoods and foster economic resilience.
