- Safiu Kehinde
Labour Party’s 2023 Presidential candidate, Peter Obi has called for urgent safety measures in preventing fuel tanker explosion.
Obi made the call in a post on his official X handle on Wednesday following his visit to the graveyard of the deceased victims of the fuel tanker explosion along Dikko-Maje road in Suleja, Niger state.
The former Anambra state governor expressed his grievances over the tragic incident which occurred on Saturday, claiming lives of over 80 people while leaving several others injured.
While meeting with some of the injured victims and the traditional ruler of the Dikko community, Obi extended his condolences and solidarity with the community.
He, however called for more enlightenment of tanker operators, investment of healthcare facilities, and poverty eradication in averting future recurrence of the incident.
“Today, emotion took the greater part of me as I left Lagos this morning and headed to the site of the tragic petrol tanker explosion, the gravesite, and also the Sarkin Dikko place along the Dikko-Maje Road in Suleja, Niger State, where over 100 lives were lost, more than 50 injured, and many properties destroyed.
“At the explosion site and the graveyard where 80 victims were buried, I felt the sorrow of a preventable tragedy.
“I also met with some of the injured victims at the Hospital to offer support and encouragement.
“These recurring disasters call for urgent safety measures: repairing roads, more enlightenment of tanker vehicle operators, investing in healthcare, and lifting people out of poverty to prevent such heartbreaking losses.
“I also met with Sarkin Dikko and his council to extend my condolences and solidarity with the people of the Dikko community in Niger State.
“Human lives are invaluable, and governance must prioritize their protection through proactive policies.
“Together, we can ensure such tragedies become a thing of the past.” Obi wrote.