The presidential candidate of Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi, described the death of almost 100 persons in the petrol tanker explosion in Niger State as heart-breaking.
Obi called for stricter safety measures to prevent such accidents in the future.
In a post on X, shared by Ibrahim Umar, the spokesman for POMR, the former Anambra State governor commiserated with the people and government of Niger State as well as families of the victims.
He stated that such accidents had become recurrent, and stressed the urgent need for the implementation of stricter safety measures to address the danger of tanker explosions.
Obi wrote, “The tragic petrol tanker explosion that occurred along Dikko-Maje Road in the Suleja Local Government Area of Niger State yesterday is truly heart-breaking.
“Reports indicate that over 70 lives were lost, while more than 50 people were injured in the incident.
“These accidents, which have sadly become increasingly recurrent in recent times, highlight the urgent need for the implementation of stricter safety measures to address the dangers of tanker explosions and similar incidents, which often result in colossal disasters.
“I sincerely commiserate with the families who lost their loved ones in the tragedy. I also extend my condolences to the government and people of Niger State over this devastating incident.
“May God grant them, and all of us, the fortitude to bear this loss, eternal rest to the departed, and a swift recovery to the injured.”