Abuja, Nigeria – President Bola Tinubu has expressed profound condolences to the people and government of Niger State following the catastrophic petrol tanker explosion at Dikko Junction in Gurara Local Government Area on Saturday.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Prof. Nantewe Yilwatda, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, described the incident as a tragic calamity, emphasizing the immense loss of life and destruction caused by the explosion. The disaster claimed at least 86 lives and left 55 others injured, devastating the local community.
The statement, released by the ministry’s Information Officer, Rhoda Iliya, conveyed the minister’s sorrow over the recurring nature of such incidents in Nigeria. Yilwatda noted that the frequency of tanker explosions has not only claimed numerous lives but also inflicted severe injuries and widespread property damage, underscoring the urgent need for preventive measures.
“I deeply mourn with the families who have lost loved ones in this terrible tragedy,” Yilwatda stated, pledging solidarity with the affected community.
President Tinubu’s administration has reaffirmed its commitment to addressing the underlying causes of such disasters while extending its thoughts and prayers to the victims and their families.
