The Northern Senators Forum has condemned the petrol tanker explosion that occurred at Dikko Junction in Niger State on January 18, 2025, describing it as a preventable disaster that underscores systemic failures in road safety enforcement.

In a statement signed by its Chairman, Sen. Abdulaziz Musa Yar’adua, the Forum expressed profound grief over the loss of lives and injuries sustained in the incident.
They criticized the apparent lapses in ensuring the roadworthiness of tankers and heavy-duty vehicles, which they said contributed to the calamity.
“This tragedy reflects a broader issue of inadequate safety enforcement on our roads,” the statement read. The Forum called on the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and other agencies to intensify efforts in regulating and inspecting tankers and trucks to prevent avoidable accidents.
The Senators also decried the dangerous practice of fuel scooping by locals at accident sites, urging Nigerians to prioritize safety over economic desperation in such situations.
In addition to urging stricter road safety protocols, the Forum emphasized the importance of policy reforms to mitigate risks associated with transporting hazardous materials. Sen. Yar’adua pledged that the Forum would work toward legislative interventions to enhance road safety standards and emergency response systems.
The explosion, which claimed numerous lives and caused significant damage, has reignited concerns about the recurring nature of such tragedies in Nigeria.
The Senators offered their condolences to the victims’ families and called for a collective effort to ensure that such a disaster does not happen again.
“We are deeply saddened by this loss. It is both unacceptable and preventable. We stand with the victims’ families and will pursue measures to guarantee safer roads for all Nigerians,” Yar’adua stated.
The incident has spurred calls from civil society organizations and citizens for urgent reforms in Nigeria’s transportation sector. Advocates stress the need for regular vehicle inspections, stricter penalties for non-compliance, and public education on the dangers of fuel scooping.
This tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the pressing need for a robust, collective approach to road safety, ensuring that such calamities become a thing of the past.

The Obidient Movement has strongly condemned the recent remarks by Mr. Felix Morka, the APC National Publicity Secretary, describing his comments as reckless and a dangerous precedent for Nigeria’s democracy.
Speaking on Arise TV on January 5, 2025, Mr. Morka asserted that “Peter Obi has crossed the line so many times and he has what’s coming to him, and whatever he gets, he should manage it.” This statement, the movement insists, constitutes a veiled threat to Mr. Obi’s life and safety, as well as an assault on the fundamental principles of democracy.
The coordinator of the Obidient Movement Dr. Yunusa Tanko in a statement on Monday raised critical questions about the legitimacy of such remarks asking rhetorically what line Mr. Obi crossed, and who set these boundaries? What specific actions or statements justify such ominous threats? What exactly is ‘coming to him,’ as implied by the APC spokesman?
Such language, the group contended, reflects authoritarian tendencies and undermines the rule of law, which guarantees freedom of speech and protection from harm.
Explaining further, the statement indicated that Mr. Peter Obi’s commitment to issue-based politics, constructive criticism, and solutions-driven proposals has been a hallmark of his leadership.
“His New Year address, which evaluated Nigeria’s current challenges while offering actionable solutions, was devoid of hate or incitement.
“The APC’s attack on Mr. Obi shows a disturbing trend of silencing opposition voices rather than engaging in meaningful debate,” the statement noted.
The Obidient Movement issued a stern warning to the ruling APC and its agents, declaring that they will be held directly responsible should any harm come to Mr. Obi, his family, or supporters.
“This administration must know that democracy cannot thrive under threats and intimidation,” the statement emphasized.
The Obidient Movement therefore semanded an immediate retraction and apology from Mr. Felix Morka and the APC leadership.
The Movement demanded an investigation by security agencies into the intent and implications of Mr. Morka’s remarks.
It also demanded a commitment by the government to protect democratic values and promote constructive engagement over divisive rhetoric.
The monement vowed that it can not be intimidated, stressing that Nigerians must resist the slide into dictatorship by demanding accountability and justice.
“We urge Nigerians to stand united and protect the gains of democracy. We also call on the international community to take note of this emerging pattern of repression and help safeguard Nigeria’s democratic institutions.”
Finally, the Obidient Movement called on the APC to discipline its spokespersons and adopt a more mature approach to political discourse, focusing on solutions rather than threats.

An activist and public affairs commentator, Malam Salihu Othman Isah, has condemned what he described as the incessant air strikes and other forms of military attacks on defenceless civilians in some parts of the country.

Isah, who is a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), said in an interview that it is unprofessional for the Nigerian military to continue unleashing its weapons on people they are trained and paid to protect.

He also criticized the approach being deployed by the authorities—both the government and the Nigerian Armed Forces—to stop the killings, which have become a recurring situation in the country.

He disclosed that it is common knowledge that hapless and harmless Nigerians, going about their normal duties to seek their livelihoods, are sent to their early graves through avoidable military attacks.

According to him, some of these attacks and killings—both by the ground army and the Air Force—cannot be justified, as they are extrajudicial in nature.

“The army of any nation is established primarily to defend the territorial integrity of its people and not to eliminate them.

“The army is supposed to complement other arms of the security apparatus of a nation. It is meant to protect its citizens and not mow them down,” he reiterated.

It will be recalled that a few days ago, a fighter jet said to be carrying out an attack on Lakurawa bandits in Sokoto killed over ten innocent civilians during the operation.

An Air Force fighter jet, on a mission to dislodge the bandits, was reported to have terminated the lives of innocent villagers going about their legitimate businesses.

But in their usual manner, the Federal Government as well as the army authorities have set up commissions of inquiry primarily to ascertain the remote cause of the incident.

Isah expressed disappointment over the trend, saying, “We often travel this same lane anytime there is an occurrence.

“Why would the Chief of Army Staff constitute an inquiry to investigate the remote cause of the attack on defenceless Nigerians instead of acting decisively to tackle the failure of its men and officers?

“Instead, energies should also be directed at solution-seeking, beginning with holding errant officers responsible for such killings accountable.”

He lamented that investigations and inquiries have become too monotonous and counterproductive, surmising that real action is required.

The civil rights activist advocated that the armed forces must follow laid-down rules of engagement, which is a global practice required for any army operation to be successful, especially when carried out in civilian-populated areas.

Isah pointed out that, “Beyond the rules of engagement, every individual army officer must have service rules to guide their operations. And while these are available but flouted, there must be consequences.

“It is not enough to set up inquiries whose reports are kept secret and with no reprimand of violators.”

He further stressed that the trend has always been to condemn military actions against civilians, adding that such condemnations have come in torrents.

Nigerians in both high and low places have been unanimous in their criticisms after the recent attack.

“It’s sad that after this, we usually move on, awaiting the next incident and speculating where and how it will occur. Don’t expect any severe action against any of the officers responsible for this action. And next time, another attack will occur, the real targets will be missed, innocent souls will be terminated, and the vicious circle will continue with no end in sight. For how long will this be?” he noted.

The political scientist also stated that a nation with no disciplined army and no regard for its citizens is bound to fail. This is simply unacceptable.

“Henceforth, those found wanting should be called out, and punishment must be meted out to serve as a deterrent in the future.”