The House of Representatives Minority Caucus has expressed profound grief over the tragic tanker explosion that claimed approximately 90 lives at Dikko Junction along the Abuja-Kaduna highway in Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State. The incident, which occurred last weekend, left many others injured and resulted in significant property damage.
In a statement jointly signed by Minority Leader Rep. Kingsley Chinda, Minority Whip Rt. Hon. Dr. Ali Isa J.C., Deputy Minority Leader Rt. Hon. Aliyu Madaki, and Deputy Minority Whip Rt. Hon. George Ozodinobi, the Caucus lamented the loss of lives and called for immediate action to prevent future occurrences.
“We are deeply saddened by this horrific incident. Our hearts go out to the families of the victims, and we pray for the swift recovery of those injured,” the statement read. The Caucus also extended condolences to the government and people of Niger State.
The statement emphasized the need for an investigation into the cause of the explosion and the punishment of those responsible. It highlighted the urgency of legislative measures to address the frequent and deadly tanker accidents in Nigeria, which have severe impacts on citizens’ lives, the environment, and the economy.
The Caucus further urged the Federal Roads Safety Corps (FRSC) and other relevant agencies to enhance traffic management for tankers and haulage vehicles to minimize such catastrophic events. It also called for a collaborative effort among medical institutions to ensure the speedy recovery of the injured.
The Caucus however reiterated the devastating impact of poverty and avoidable deaths on the populace and emphasized the importance of accountability and proactive legislative solutions to curb the recurring tanker explosions in the country.
