- Safiu Kehinde
The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered all State Commissioners of Police to strengthen their Motor Traffic Divisions (MTDs) to ensure compliance too protocols and traffic regulations after Niger fuel tanker explosion which claimed over 70 lives.
This was contained in a statement issued on Sunday by the Force spokesperson, Olumuyiwa Adejobi.
While expressing his condolences with the victims of the tragic incident, Egbetokun, according to the statement, harped on the importance of strict adherence to safety protocols on Nigerian roads.
He warned against negligence and disregard for regulations as he directed all State Police Commissioners to strengthen the Force MTDs in enforcing established protocols and traffic regulations on highways in partnership with other traffic management agencies.
Egbetokun, however, charged vehicle owners and drivers to ensure that their vehicles are roadworthy and abide by traffic rules.
He also called on stakeholders to priortize safety and responsibility in their operations to avert recurrence of the ugly incident.
The statement read in part; “The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM., has extended heartfelt condolences to the government and the good people of Niger State following the tragic tanker explosion that occurred yesterday, January 18, 2025, at Dikko Junction, Abuja-Kaduna Expressway, Niger State.
“This horrific incident occurred when a truck loaded with Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) lost control and eventually caught fire, resulting in the loss of over 73 lives and numerous others injured, with the destruction of several shops and property.
“The IGP, while emphasizing the importance of strict adherence to safety protocols on our roads, warns firmly against the negligence and disregard for regulations that can lead to such catastrophic incidents.
“The IGP therefore directs all State Commissioners of Police to strengthen their Motor Traffic Divisions (MTDs) of their respective State Commands, in collaboration with other traffic management agencies, to ensure strict compliance and enforcement of established protocols and traffic regulations on highways. The IGP further charged vehicle owners and drivers to ensure that their vehicles are roadworthy and abide by the traffic rules in order to prevent any tragedies.
“The IGP, while praying for the souls of the departed, therefore calls on all stakeholders, including transport operators and the general public, to prioritize safety and responsibility in their operations and actions, ensuring that such ugly incidents do not occur in the future.”