- Safiu Kehinde
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has mourned the victims of the Niger state’s tragic fuel tanker explosion.
NPO Reported that the incident which occurred on Tuesday afternoon at along Bida–Badegi–Agaie road at Essan community in Katcha Local Government Area of Niger state, had claimed 39 lives with 60 injured, as confirmed by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).
The victims were reportedly among those attempting to scoop fuel from a fallen tanker when the explosion occurred.
They included men, women, and children.
Reacting to the development in a statement issued on Wednesday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile, Sanwo-Olu expressed sympathy with his Niger State counterpart, Governor Mohammed Bago.
The Lagos governor, who is the Chairman of the South-West Governors Forum, also condoled with families of the victims while describing the incident as worrisome and pathetic.
Sanwo-Olu prayed for the repose of the deceaseds’ souls while wishing the injure victims quick recovery.
“It is with a heavy heart that I read and followed the development of the disaster that happened yesterday along the Bida/Agaie highway in Niger State following the explosion of a petrol-laden tanker that reportedly claimed about 35 persons.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with my brother, Governor Mohammed Bago, the Government and the people of Niger State, as well as the deceased families and victims of the sad incident.
“I pray for the repose of the deceased and ask that the Almighty God grant the families of the victims the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss. I wish those receiving treatment a quick recovery.” The governor said.