Niger tanker explosion: Kickstart campaign against fuel scooping – Tinubu tells Orientation Agency

Following a devastating tanker explosion that claimed at least 86 lives at Dikko Junction in Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State, 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.

The Informant247 reports that over 80 people lost their lives, while so many sustained injuries after a tanker laden with fuel fell at Dikko Junction, Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State.

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.”

Tanker explosion: Death toll hits 86 as Niger gov bans heavy-duty trucks from plying Dikko bridge

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.”

Source: Daily Trust