Niger explosion: Survivors transferred to tertiary medical centres for enhanced treatment
The victims of the devastating tanker explosion, which claimed at least 86 lives at Dikko Junction in Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State, have been transferred to tertiary medical centres for enhanced attention.
It would be recalled that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had earlier directed the transfer of the surviving persons from the explosion that killed over 80 people over the weekend.
In a statement on Monday, Rabiu Ibrahim, the Special Assistant (Media) to the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said, “20 patients have been admitted to Gwagwalada Specialist Hospital in Abuja.
“Similarly, two additional patients have been transferred to the Federal Medical Centre, Jabi, Abuja.”
“All the patients were accompanied by a nurse and family members to the designated referral centers to ensure seamless care,” the statement added.
Ibrahim quoted the Niger State Government as expressing gratitude to the Federal Government for its prompt and effective response to the incident.
Niger tanker explosion: Kickstart campaign against fuel scooping – Tinubu orders Orientation Agency
Meanwhile, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, while expressing sadness over the incident, directed the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to immediately Kickstart a campaign against the dangers of scooping fuel from a falling tanker.
Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, in a statement on Sunday, said the president “strongly advises all citizens to exercise caution and avoid approaching accident sites, especially those involving fuel-laden vehicles, due to their highly explosive nature.”
NGF chair AbdulRazaq visits scene of Niger tanker explosion, commiserates with Gov, victims
President Tinubu, who mourned the victims, expressed his condolences to the families affected, as well as to the government and people of Niger State while underscoring the tragic and preventable nature of the incident, as many victims were those scooping Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) from the overturned tanker.
Onanuga said, “The President has directed the provision of comprehensive medical care to the injured and instructed security and road safety authorities to implement measures to avert similar incidents.
“The President has mandated the National Orientation Agency to initiate a nationwide educational campaign. This campaign will raise public awareness about the severe risks and environmental dangers of scooping fuel from fallen tankers.”
Back story:
The Director General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), Abdullahi Baba Arah, had earlier claimed that no fewer than 86 bodies have been recovered so far in an ugly tanker explosion at Dikko Junction in Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State
The Informant247 reports that the ugly incident happened after a fuel tanker travelling from Kaduna to Gwagwalada overturned at the junction, spilling its contents.
Despite warnings to keep a safe distance, many residents gathered to scoop fuel from the site.
The tanker exploded, resulting in catastrophic loss of life, severe injuries, and the destruction of property worth millions of naira.
However, a mass burial has been organised by NSEMA in collaboration with Gurara local government officials and community volunteers, which commenced at 5 p.m. and lasted until midnight.
Arah confirmed that 55 people sustained injuries in the explosion and are currently receiving medical care.
Niger gov bans heavy duty trucks plying one-way Dikko bridge
Meanwhile, the state governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has directed that no vehicle from the Maje axis should pass through the Dikko bridge.
The governor gave the directive on Saturday when he visited the scene of tanker explosion around Dikko junction, Gurara local government area of Niger State
According to a statement by Bologi Ibrahim, the governor’s spokesperson, the Governor, who decried the recklessness of some drivers, said it is acceptable for any vehicle coming from Maje to pass through the bridge; instead, they should follow under the bridge and take a U-turn appropriately.
The Governor, while describing the explosion, which has claimed many lives, as pathetic, thanking God that the tragic incident did not extend to the adjoining communities, enjoined the Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps to establish a detachment in the area to ensure the enforcement of the directive, while calling on all relevant transport Unions to cooperate with the Road Safety Corps.
He also called on the Federal Government to expedite action to complete the Minna-Suleja road, as the delay in the road project is contributing to the continuous loss of many lives.
He said doctors from Minna Hospitals will be redeployed to assist in treating the injured victims currently receiving treatment in Suleja General Hospital.
