By Abbanobi -Eku Onyekachi, Abuja
A tragic tanker explosion in Niger State over the weekend claimed the lives of over 80 people and left many injured. The victims were caught in the disaster while attempting to scoop fuel from the fallen tanker.
In response to the incident, President Ahmed Bola Tinubu has been commended for his prompt intervention. The Accident Prevention and Rescue Initiative (APRI), a non-governmental organization focused on road traffic safety, praised the President’s swift response to the disaster.
According to Amb. Fidelis Nnadi, Executive Director of APRI, the incident could have been prevented if emergency rescue teams were established to respond to such disasters. Nnadi emphasized the need for effective emergency response systems to prevent and respond to similar incidents in the future.
President Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the incident and has directed the provision of comprehensive medical care to those injured. He has also instructed security agencies and road safety authorities to implement measures to prevent similar incidents.
Furthermore, the President has mandated the National Orientation Agency to launch a nationwide public education campaign to raise awareness about the dangers of scooping fuel from fallen tankers.
