By Jude Opara, Abuja
The governor of Kano state, Alhaji Abba Yusuf, has expressed deep sorrow and extended his heartfelt condolences to the government and people of Niger state following the tragic petrol tanker explosion at Dikko Junction along the Abuja-Kaduna Expressway.
The devastating incident, which occurred last Saturday claimed the lives of about 100 people, including a pregnant woman and several children, a development that left the entire nation in sorrow.
According to reports, the victims who were trying to scoop fuel from the fallen petrol tanker were burnt beyond recognition. Additionally, over 50 others sustained varying degrees of injuries and are currently receiving medical attention in various hospitals in Niger and Abuja.
In his reaction to the incident, Governor Yusuf who described the loss as a national tragedy equally lamented the avoidable nature of the incident and called for urgent measures to prevent future occurrences.
“This heartbreaking event is a grim reminder of the fragility of human life and the need for collective responsibility in ensuring safety.
“On behalf of the government and people of Kano State, I extend my deepest sympathies to the families of the victims and the Niger State government. We mourn with you and pray for Allah’s mercy on the departed souls and a speedy recovery for the injured.”
Governor Yusuf hammered on the need for public campaign on the dangers of scooping fuel from crashed petrol tankers; even as he called on relevant authorities to enforce safety measures on highways to protect lives and property.
The explosion, which eyewitnesses attributed to a speeding petrol tanker that crashed at the busy Dikko Junction, has left the community in shock and despair.
At the time of going to press, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has confirmed that close to 100 lives were lost in the incident.
