
Shortly before the explosion of the tanker in Niger State
By allcitynews.ng
The President of Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), Comrade Williams has expressed shock and sadness over the
NUPENG expresses condolences to Niger State Government over the devastating tankers explosion that have reportedly claimed over 86 lives of innocent people.
Even as he blamed the poor states of road networks across the country for the accident which has claimed over 86 lives and with over 55 reported injured in the accident.
In a statement signed by the President, Comrade Williams Akporeha and the General Secretary, Comrade Afolabi Olawale, NUPENG said it extended its sympathy with the government and all those affected by the explosion.
According to the duo, NUPENG is pained by the accident which occurred at Dikko Junction, Gurara Local Government.
“The leadership and members of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) extend our heartfelt condolences to the families, friends, and communities affected by the tragic petroleum truck accident at Dikko Junction, Gurara Local Government, Niger State, on Saturday 18th, January 2025.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of lives, the destruction of properties, and the injuries sustained by many in this devastating incident. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their loved ones during this traumatic and challenging time.”
Furthermore, NUPENG blaming the incident on bad roads said “We want to use this opportunity to urgently appeal to the Federal government to repair bad roads to prevent such incidents and to intensify efforts in sensitizing the public about the dangers of scooping fuel from accidental situations of petroleum trucks on highways.
“As a responsible organization, NUPENG collaborates annually with relevant agencies, including the Federal Road Safety Corps, the Police, and State Traffic Management agencies, to train our drivers on road safety. The Union is committed to continuously training and retraining our members on best driving and safety practices.”
Meanwhile the incident has reported claimed over 86 lives with over 56 injured by the explosion.
According to the reports from the scene of the accident, the death toll from tanker explosion has risen to 86, with 55 others injured and undergoing treatment, officials confirmed on Sunday.
The Director-General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), Abdullahi Baba-Arah who provided the updated figures, said that most victims were buried in a mass grave.
“A total of 86 persons have been confirmed dead, with their remains recovered and buried. Eighty were buried in a mass grave at the Dikko Primary Healthcare Centre premises, five were claimed by their families for burial, and one died at the Dikko Primary Healthcare Centre,” Baba-Arah said.
The explosion occurred when residents tried to collect leaking fuel from an overturned tanker, which ignited, killing those at the scene, including rescuers.
Mass burial
The mass burial, coordinated by NSEMA, local authorities, and volunteers, began at 5 p.m. on Saturday and continued until midnight.
Niger State Governor Mohammed Umar Bago visited the scene and announced new safety measures to prevent future tragedies.
“Niger State Government has directed that no vehicle from the Maje axis should pass over the Dikko Bridge,” said Bologi Ibrahim, the governor’s Chief Press Secretary. “Instead, vehicles must use the underpass and take the appropriate U-turn.”
The governor also ordered doctors from hospitals in Minna to be redeployed to Suleja General Hospital to assist in treating the injured.
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