The Federal Government has mourned the victims of petrol tanker explosion at Dikko Junction in Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State, expressing condolences to the government and people of the state.
The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Prof. Nantewe Yilwatda described the incident in a statement on Sunday as tragic, noting that it claimed many lives and destroyed property.
While expressing concern over the rising frequency of tanker explosions in the country, the Minister warned motorists against reckless driving that could endanger innocent lives.
Yilwatda urged them to strictly adhere to road traffic regulations at all times.
“I am deeply saddened by the frequent occurrence of tanker explosions in the country, which always leads to loss of lives, injuries, and property damage.
“I share in the pain of the community who lost their loved ones in this devastating incident,” Yilwatda said.
He also offered his condolences to the families of the victims and wished a speedy recovery to the injured.
The minister, however, applauded the swift response of Governor Umaru Bago of Niger State and his team, especially the State Emergency Management Agency, NSEMA, Fire Service, and the Federal Road Safety Corps.
He also thanked the Nigeria Police and other concerned Nigerians who assisted in evacuating the victims from the scene.
According to the Director-General of NSEMA, Abdullahi Baba-Arah, the incident resulted in 86 fatalities, with 80 individuals buried in a mass grave and the rest handed over to their families for burial.
DAILY POST earlier reported that over 50 persons lost their lives in a petrol tanker explosion along Dikko-Maje road in Niger State on Saturday.
However, Baba-Arah said the death toll from the incident has risen to 86.