265 lives have been lost to tanker explosions in various parts of the country in the last five months. Photo Credit: MINO
The Federal Government has directed the immediate transfer of victims from the recent tanker explosion in Suleja, Niger State, to tertiary health facilities for advanced medical care.
This was announced by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, during a visit to Suleja on Sunday.
Idris led a Federal Government delegation, including the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda, and other officials, to conduct an on-the-spot assessment of the tragedy.
The Minister stated that the Minister of Health, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), and other relevant agencies have been instructed to ensure that critically injured victims are promptly evacuated and admitted to intensive care units in tertiary hospitals.
According to Idris, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was deeply saddened by the incident and directed the delegation to evaluate the situation.
“We have just gone around the wards and seen those critically injured. Sadly, as we were visiting, one more victim passed away, making it the eighth casualty today.
The President is determined to ensure that those in dire need of medical attention receive it immediately,” he said.
The Minister expressed concern over the alarming rate of tanker explosion fatalities, noting that 265 deaths have been recorded in similar incidents across the country in the past five months.
President Tinubu Orders ProbeIdris revealed that the President has set up a high-powered committee to investigate the causes of these explosions and provide recommendations to prevent future occurrences.
“From September 2024 to date, there have been four major tanker explosions. The first occurred between Ibadan and Ife, followed by another in Agaie, Niger State, which claimed 48 lives. In October, 144 people died in Jigawa State, and just yesterday, nearly 80 people lost their lives here. This brings the total to over 265 fatalities,” he explained.
Public Awareness CampaignsTo address one of the root causes of such incidents, the Minister announced plans by the National Orientation Agency to intensify public awareness campaigns, discouraging citizens from scooping fuel from tanker spills.
Idris commended the Niger State Government for its swift emergency response and pledged the Federal Government’s continued support for the victims and their families.
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